Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Grilled Shrimp and Creamy Mustard-Dill Dressing
Delight in the fresh and vibrant flavors of this Mediterranean-inspired Orzo Salad, perfectly paired with tender grilled shrimp. This dish features al dente orzo pasta tossed with crisp cucumber, sweet grape tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese, all brought together by a creamy mustard-dill vinaigrette. Ideal for a light lunch or dinner, this salad is as beautiful on the plate as it is delicious—making it a perfect dish to share with family and friends. Whether enjoyed as a main course or a refreshing side, this recipe will elevate your culinary repertoire and impress your guests.
4
Servings
300
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
orzo pasta
3/4 lb (cooked al dente)
large cucumber
1 (seeded, quartered lengthwise, and sliced)
green onions
3 (thinly sliced)
grape tomatoes
1 pint (halved)
fresh dill
1/4 cup (chopped, plus extra for garnish)
white wine vinegar
1/4 cup (none)
Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons (none)
olive oil
1/2 cup (plus additional for brushing shrimp)
salt
to taste (none)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
feta cheese
3/4 lb (crumbled)
medium shrimp
16 (peeled and deveined)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and set aside.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, sliced cucumber, green onions, halved grape tomatoes, and chopped fresh dill. Toss gently to combine.
3
For the dressing, combine the dill, white wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a blender. Blend until smooth.
4
With the blender running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the dressing emulsifies. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5
Pour the creamy mustard-dill dressing over the orzo salad mixture, stirring well to ensure everything is evenly coated. Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese.
6
Preheat your grill to high heat. Brush the shrimp with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
7
Grill the shrimp for approximately 2 minutes per side or until they turn pink and are just cooked through.
8
To serve, divide the orzo salad among four plates or take-out containers. Top each serving with four grilled shrimp and garnish with additional fresh dill.
Nutrition Information
18.75g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
13.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Grilled Shrimp?
It is a fresh salad featuring al dente orzo pasta, crisp vegetables, and tangy feta cheese, topped with tender grilled shrimp and a creamy mustard-dill dressing.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is 18.75g of fat per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 13.75g of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 22.5g of carbohydrates in each serving.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses orzo pasta, which should be cooked until al dente.
How much orzo pasta is required?
You will need 3/4 lb of orzo pasta.
How should the cucumber be prepared?
The cucumber should be seeded, quartered lengthwise, and then sliced.
How are the grape tomatoes prepared?
The pint of grape tomatoes should be halved before being added to the salad.
What type of cheese is used in the salad?
The recipe calls for crumbled feta cheese.
How much feta cheese is needed?
You will need 3/4 lb of crumbled feta cheese.
What are the ingredients for the dressing?
The dressing consists of fresh dill, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and olive oil.
What type of mustard is used?
The recipe specifically requires 3 tablespoons of Dijon mustard.
What type of vinegar is required?
You should use 1/4 cup of white wine vinegar.
How do you emulsify the dressing?
With the blender running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth and emulsified.
How should the orzo be treated after cooking?
After cooking, drain the orzo and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
How many shrimp are needed in total?
The recipe requires 16 medium shrimp.
How many shrimp are allocated per serving?
Each plate should be topped with four grilled shrimp.
How should the shrimp be prepared?
The shrimp should be peeled and deveined before being brushed with olive oil and seasoned.
What grill setting is recommended?
The grill should be preheated to high heat.
How long do you grill the shrimp?
Grill the shrimp for approximately 2 minutes per side.
How can you tell if the shrimp is done?
The shrimp are cooked through when they turn pink and are no longer translucent.
What is used to garnish the dish?
Garnish the final plates with additional fresh chopped dill.
Is this recipe suitable as a main course?
Yes, it can be served as a main course for a light lunch or dinner, or as a refreshing side dish.
How are the green onions sliced?
The green onions should be thinly sliced.
What seasoning is used for the shrimp?
The shrimp are seasoned with salt and pepper on both sides.
Is fresh dill necessary for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifies 1/4 cup of fresh chopped dill for the salad and dressing plus extra for garnish.
When is the feta cheese added to the salad?
The crumbled feta cheese should be gently folded in after the salad has been tossed with the dressing.
How long does the recipe take to prepare?
This dish is categorized as taking less than 60 minutes to complete.