Mediterranean Orzo and Shrimp Salad
This vibrant Mediterranean Orzo and Shrimp Salad is a delightful dish perfect for any occasion, whether you're planning a family lunch or a picnic with friends. Featuring tender shrimp, colorful bell peppers, and a zesty yogurt dressing, this salad is not only packed with flavor but also a visual treat. The combination of fresh herbs, creamy yogurt, and tangy Dijon mustard elevates the orzo pasta, making each bite a refreshing experience. Serve it chilled for a healthy and satisfying meal that's sure to impress.
6
Servings
350
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
shrimp
1 lb (cooked, peeled, deveined, tails removed)
orzo pasta
1 1/2 cups (uncooked)
green bell pepper
1 (diced)
red bell pepper
1 (diced)
green onions
4 (sliced including green tops)
cilantro
1/2 cup (chopped)
parmesan cheese
2/3 cup (grated)
plain yogurt
1 cup (full-fat or Greek)
garlic cloves
2 (peeled)
Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1 teaspoon (freshly ground)
sugar
2 teaspoons (none)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, diced green and red bell peppers, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro. Toss gently to combine.
3
In a food processor, add the peeled garlic cloves and pulse until finely minced. Then, add the plain yogurt, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Pulse the mixture until smooth and well combined.
4
Pour half of the yogurt dressing over the shrimp and vegetable mixture in the bowl. Add the cooled orzo and grated Parmesan cheese, and stir gently until all ingredients are well coated.
5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld.
6
Before serving, stir in the reserved half of the yogurt dressing to refresh the salad. Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve chilled.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
38.3g
Carbs
20g
Protein
1g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Orzo and Shrimp Salad?
It is a vibrant dish featuring tender shrimp, colorful bell peppers, and a zesty yogurt dressing, perfect for family lunches or picnics.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of this salad?
Each serving contains 350 calories.
What type of pasta is required for this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of uncooked orzo pasta.
How should the orzo be cooked?
Cook the orzo in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Can I use Greek yogurt for the dressing?
Yes, you can use either 1 cup of full-fat plain yogurt or Greek yogurt for the dressing.
What is the preparation for the shrimp used in this salad?
Use 1 lb of shrimp that has been cooked, peeled, and deveined with the tails removed.
Which vegetables are included in this recipe?
The salad includes one diced green bell pepper, one diced red bell pepper, and four sliced green onions.
Does this recipe include cheese?
Yes, it contains 2/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
What herbs are used to flavor the salad?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro.
How do you prepare the yogurt dressing?
Pulse minced garlic, yogurt, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and sugar in a food processor until smooth.
How long should the salad be refrigerated before serving?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld.
When should the reserved dressing be added?
Stir in the reserved half of the yogurt dressing just before serving to refresh the salad.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 20g of protein.
How much fat is in one serving of this salad?
There are 7.5g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
One serving contains 38.3g of carbohydrates.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, each serving contains 1g of fiber.
How much garlic is needed for the dressing?
You will need 2 peeled garlic cloves.
What kind of mustard is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard.
Is sugar included in the ingredients?
Yes, the dressing includes 2 teaspoons of sugar.
Should the salad be served warm or cold?
The salad is intended to be served chilled.
Can I adjust the seasoning of the salad?
Yes, you should adjust the seasoning if necessary just before serving.
What is the category of this recipe?
It is categorized under Lunch/Snacks.
How much salt is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt.
What kind of pepper should I use?
The recipe recommends 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
Do I include the green parts of the green onions?
Yes, the green onions should be sliced including their green tops.
Is the shrimp mixed with the orzo immediately?
The shrimp is first combined with the peppers, onions, and cilantro before adding the cooled orzo.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 13 ingredients in this recipe.
What makes this salad a visual treat?
The combination of colorful red and green bell peppers along with fresh green cilantro makes it visually appealing.
Is the pasta rinsed after cooking?
Yes, the orzo is rinsed under cold water to halt the cooking process before cooling.