Mediterranean Shrimp and Feta Orzo Salad
This refreshing Mediterranean Shrimp and Feta Orzo Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. With tender grilled shrimp, creamy feta cheese, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta tossed with fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing, this salad is ideal for a light lunch or dinner. It's not only quick to prepare but also packed with nutrients, making it both delicious and healthy. Perfect for summer picnics, gatherings, or meal prep, this salad is sure to impress your family and friends.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
garlic clove
1 (minced)
fresh lemon juice
3/4 (tablespoon)
olive oil
2 (tablespoons)
oregano leaves
1 1/2 (teaspoons, minced)
salt and pepper
to taste
medium shrimp
1/2 (lb, shelled and deveined)
orzo pasta
3/4 (cup, uncooked)
feta
1/3 (cup, crumbled)
medium tomatoes
1 (chopped)
scallions
3 (sliced)
flat leaf parsley
1/2 (cup, finely chopped)
baby greens
1 (cup, washed and rinsed)
garlic clove
1/2 (chopped)
fresh lemon juice
2 (tablespoons)
fresh flat leaf parsley
1/4 (cup)
oregano leaves
2 (teaspoons, minced)
fresh ground pepper
to taste
olive oil
1/4 (cup)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced oregano, and salt and pepper to taste.
2
Add the shrimp to the marinade, stirring to coat thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
3
While the shrimp marinates, cook the orzo according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Let it cool to room temperature.
4
In a blender, combine the dressing ingredients: chopped garlic, lemon juice, parsley, minced oregano, olive oil, and fresh ground pepper. Blend until the mixture is emulsified and smooth.
5
Once the orzo has cooled, stir in the crumbled feta cheese, chopped tomatoes, sliced scallions, and finely chopped parsley. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the mixture, tossing gently to combine. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
6
Remove the shrimp from the marinade, discarding the marinade. Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat and grill the shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side until just cooked through and opaque.
7
Using tongs, transfer the grilled shrimp to the orzo salad and gently toss to combine all ingredients.
8
To serve, line individual salad bowls with washed and rinsed baby greens, then top with the shrimp and orzo salad mixture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Shrimp and Feta Orzo Salad?
It is a refreshing dish featuring grilled shrimp, creamy feta cheese, and cooked orzo pasta tossed with fresh vegetables and a zesty lemon-herb dressing.
What size shrimp should be used for this recipe?
The recipe calls for medium-sized shrimp that have been shelled and deveined.
How long should the shrimp marinate?
The shrimp should be refrigerated in the marinade for 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld properly.
What ingredients are in the shrimp marinade?
The marinade consists of minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced oregano, and salt and pepper to taste.
How is the orzo prepared for the salad?
The orzo is cooked according to package instructions, drained, and then cooled to room temperature before being added to the salad.
What components are in the salad dressing?
The dressing is a blend of chopped garlic, lemon juice, parsley, minced oregano, olive oil, and fresh ground pepper.
How do I ensure the dressing is emulsified?
Combine the dressing ingredients in a blender and blend until the mixture is smooth and fully emulsified.
Which fresh vegetables are included in the salad mixture?
The salad mixture includes chopped tomatoes, sliced scallions, and finely chopped flat-leaf parsley.
How long does it take to grill the shrimp?
On a preheated grill pan over medium-high heat, the shrimp should be cooked for about 2 minutes on each side until they are opaque.
Is this salad served over a base of greens?
Yes, individual salad bowls are lined with washed baby greens before the shrimp and orzo mixture is added.
Is the Mediterranean Shrimp and Feta Orzo Salad healthy?
Yes, it is packed with nutrients, fresh vegetables, and lean protein, making it both delicious and healthy.
Can I use dried oregano instead of fresh?
While fresh is recommended for the best flavor, you can use dried oregano by reducing the quantity slightly.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of crumbled feta cheese.
What occasions is this salad suitable for?
This salad is perfect for summer picnics, family gatherings, light lunches, or meal prep.
How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming tough?
Be careful not to overcook them; grill them just until they turn opaque, which usually takes about 2 minutes per side.
What type of parsley is best for this salad?
Flat-leaf (Italian) parsley is recommended for its superior flavor in Mediterranean dishes.
Should the orzo be hot when I add the cheese?
No, let the orzo cool to room temperature first to ensure the feta cheese doesn't melt into a clump.
Can I use a regular pan if I don't have a grill pan?
Yes, a regular skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan can be used to cook the shrimp if a grill pan is unavailable.
How much orzo pasta do I need?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of uncooked orzo pasta.
What should I do with the remaining marinade?
The marinade used for the raw shrimp should be discarded after the shrimp are removed for grilling.
Can I substitute the shrimp with another protein?
Yes, grilled chicken or chickpeas would also work well with the flavors of this Mediterranean salad.
How many garlic cloves are used in total?
The recipe uses 1.5 garlic cloves total: one minced for the marinade and half of a clove for the dressing.
Is this salad gluten-free?
No, because orzo is a type of pasta made from wheat. To make it gluten-free, substitute the orzo with quinoa or gluten-free pasta.
How do I store the leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though it is best enjoyed fresh.
What part of the scallions should I use?
The recipe suggests using sliced scallions, which typically include both the white and the green parts.
Can I add olives to this salad?
While not in the original recipe, Kalamata olives would be a great addition to enhance the Mediterranean flavor profile.
How do I wash the baby greens?
Rinse the baby greens under cold running water and use a salad spinner or paper towels to ensure they are dry before serving.
Is it okay to use pre-cooked shrimp?
While you can, grilling raw marinated shrimp provides much better flavor and texture for this specific salad.
How much olive oil is needed for the dressing?
The dressing requires 1/4 cup of olive oil.
Can this recipe be prepared in under 30 minutes?
Excluding the 1 hour marinating time, the actual prep and cooking time is quite quick and can be done in about 20-30 minutes.