This refreshing Greek-flavored shrimp and orzo salad combines the succulent taste of shrimp with the tangy flavors of olives and feta and the earthiness of orzo. It's flavored with a simple vinaigrette and finished off with scallions and fresh oregano. This easy-to-make dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
Most ingredients in this recipe are easily available in any supermarket. However, you might want to pay special attention to orzo, a type of short-cut pasta, shaped like a large grain of rice. Also, look for feta cheese in the dairy section, it's a brined curd white cheese made in Greece from sheep's milk, or from a mixture of sheep and goat's milk.
Ingredients for Greek-Flavored Shrimp and Orzo Salad
Orzo: Orzo is a pasta that is shaped like a grain of rice. It provides a hearty base for this salad.
Shrimp: The star of the dish, shrimp adds a touch of seafood elegance to this salad.
Lemon Juice: Adds a tangy freshness that brightens up the flavors.
Vinegar: Helps in marinating the shrimp and gives a tart flavor to the dressing.
Salt: Brings out the flavors of the other ingredients.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat to the salad.
Oregano: Gives the salad a characteristic Greek flavor.
Olive oil: Forms the base of the dressing and adds a velvety texture.
Scallions: Provide a mild onion flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
Black olives: Grown in the Mediterranean, they add a salty tang to the salad.
Feta: A Greek cheese that adds a creamy, tangy flavor to the dish.
One reader, Kristofer Beeson says:
This Greek-flavored shrimp and orzo salad recipe is a game-changer! The combination of fresh shrimp, tangy feta, and zesty lemon juice creates a burst of Mediterranean flavors. The orzo adds a delightful texture, making it a perfect summer dish. I highly recommend trying this recipe for a refreshing and satisfying meal.
Cooking Techniques for Greek-Flavored Shrimp and Orzo Salad
How to cook orzo and shrimp: Boil the orzo in salted water until almost done, then add the shrimp and cook until both are done. Drain thoroughly.
How to make the dressing: In a large glass or stainless-steel bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, vinegar, salt, pepper, and oregano. Slowly add the olive oil while whisking to emulsify the dressing.
How to toss the salad: Add the cooked orzo and shrimp, scallions, olives, and feta to the dressing and toss everything together until well combined.
How to serve the salad: Serve the Greek-flavored shrimp and orzo salad warm or at room temperature.
How to pair with wine: Pinot Blanc from northern Italy's Friuli or Alto Adige is recommended for its subtle fruitiness and fresh herbal accents, making it a perfect match for this dish.
How To Make Shrimp-and-Orzo Salad with Greek Flavors
Plump and juicy shrimp, filling orzo, and black olives tossed in a tangy lemon sauce makes up this deliciously savory orzo salad!
Serves:
Ingredients
- ½lborzo,(about 1 cup)
- 1lblarge shrimp
- 1tbsplemon juice
- 1tbspred wine vinegar,or white wine
- ¼tspsalt
- ¼tspfresh ground black pepper
- 1tbspfresh oregano,chopped
- 1cupolive oil
- 4scallions,including green tops
- ½cupblack olives,pitted and chopped
- ¼lbfeta
Instructions
-
In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the orzo for about 10 minutes, until almost done.
-
Add the shrimp to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 to 3 minutes longer, until both the shrimp and orzo are done.. Drain thoroughly.
-
In a large glass or stainless-steel bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, vinegar, salt, pepper and oregano; add the oil slowly, whisking.
-
Add the orzo and shrimp, the scallions, olives and feta to the dressing and toss.
-
Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 871.18kcal
- Fat: 63.90g
- Saturated Fat: 12.40g
- Trans Fat: 0.02g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 42.35g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 6.68g
- Carbohydrates: 47.59g
- Fiber: 3.12g
- Sugar: 3.15g
- Protein: 27.37g
- Cholesterol: 168.11mg
- Sodium: 1032.72mg
- Calcium: 252.26mg
- Potassium: 332.68mg
- Iron: 2.55mg
- Vitamin A: 108.22µg
- Vitamin C: 4.48mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Your Greek-Flavored Shrimp and Orzo Salad
When cooking the shrimp and orzo together, it's important to note that shrimp cooks very quickly and can become tough if overcooked. To avoid this, add the shrimp towards the end of the orzo's cooking time. This ensures that both ingredients are perfectly cooked at the same time. Also, when whisking the dressing, add the olive oil slowly to emulsify it properly with the other ingredients. This will result in a smooth and well-blended dressing that will coat the orzo and shrimp evenly.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Shrimp and Orzo Salad
Prep ahead: Prepare the orzo and dressing in advance to save time when assembling the salad.
Use pre-cooked shrimp: Opt for pre-cooked shrimp to cut down on cooking time and simplify the recipe.
Chop ingredients in bulk: Chop all the vegetables and herbs at once to streamline the preparation process.
Multi-task: While the orzo is cooking, prep the other ingredients to make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Invest in a good knife: A sharp, quality knife can make chopping and prepping ingredients quicker and more efficient.
Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you cook to avoid wasting time searching for utensils or ingredients.
Substitute Ingredients For Shrimp-and-Orzo Salad with Greek Flavors Recipe
orzo - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa is a great substitute for orzo as it has a similar texture and can absorb the flavors of the dish well. It also adds a nutty flavor and is a healthier alternative.
shrimp - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast can be a great substitute for shrimp, providing a lean protein option and absorbing the flavors of the dish while adding a heartier texture.
lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can provide a tangy and acidic flavor similar to lemon juice, adding brightness to the dish.
red or white wine vinegar - Substitute with balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar can add a rich and slightly sweet flavor to the dish, complementing the other ingredients well.
oregano - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme can provide a similar earthy and slightly minty flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall Greek-inspired taste.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil can be a healthier alternative to olive oil, providing a mild flavor and high smoke point for cooking the ingredients.
scallions - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can offer a milder and slightly sweet flavor compared to scallions, adding a subtle depth to the dish.
black olives - Substitute with kalamata olives: Kalamata olives can provide a similar briny and rich flavor, adding a distinct Mediterranean touch to the salad.
feta - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese can offer a tangy and creamy alternative to feta, adding a rich and slightly tangy flavor to the salad.
Presenting Your Greek-Flavored Shrimp and Orzo Salad
Elevate the orzo and shrimp: Arrange the orzo and shrimp salad in a shallow bowl, ensuring that the vibrant colors and textures are showcased.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped fresh oregano over the dish to add a pop of color and a burst of aromatic flavor.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Drizzle a small amount of high-quality olive oil in a circular motion around the edge of the bowl to add a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Highlight the feta: Crumble the feta cheese over the top of the salad, allowing it to stand out and create a visually appealing contrast against the orzo and shrimp.
Use a sophisticated serving dish: Present the Greek-flavored shrimp and orzo salad on a sleek, modern plate to enhance the overall visual appeal.
Add a touch of greenery: Place a small, edible microgreen or herb sprig on top of the salad as a delicate finishing touch.
Emphasize symmetry and balance: Arrange the components of the salad thoughtfully, ensuring that each element is evenly distributed for a harmonious presentation.
Consider the negative space: Utilize the empty space on the plate to create a visually striking and balanced composition, allowing the dish to stand out.
Opt for minimalism: Keep the presentation clean and uncluttered, allowing the vibrant colors and textures of the dish to take center stage.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Shrimp and Orzo Salad
- Large pot: A large, deep pot used for boiling or cooking large quantities of food, such as pasta or soups.
- Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for whipping and mixing ingredients together, typically made of metal loops.
- Glass or stainless-steel bowl: A bowl made of glass or stainless steel, used for mixing and tossing ingredients together.
- Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with perforations for draining liquids from food, such as pasta or vegetables.
- Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing ingredients, typically made of wood or plastic.
- Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Measuring spoons: Utensils used to measure small amounts of ingredients accurately.
- Mixing spoon: A long-handled spoon used for mixing and stirring ingredients.
- Serving platter: A large, flat dish used for serving food, typically with a raised edge.
- Wine glass: A glass specifically designed for serving wine, often with a stem to hold and a bowl to hold the wine.
Storing and Freezing Your Shrimp and Orzo Salad
This Greek-flavored shrimp and orzo salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will meld together and intensify over time, making it even more delicious the next day.
If you plan to store the salad for later, it's best to keep the feta cheese separate and add it just before serving. This will prevent the cheese from becoming soggy and maintain its crumbly texture.
To keep the shrimp and orzo from drying out, you can drizzle a little extra olive oil over the salad before storing it in the refrigerator. This will help keep the ingredients moist and flavorful.
If you have leftovers and want to freeze the salad, it's best to do so without the feta cheese and scallions. These ingredients don't freeze well and can become mushy when thawed.
To freeze the salad, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible. Label the container with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
When you're ready to enjoy the frozen salad, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, give the salad a good stir and add freshly chopped scallions and crumbled feta cheese before serving.
If the salad seems a bit dry after thawing, you can refresh it with a splash of lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil. This will help revive the flavors and give the salad a fresh taste.
How To Reheat Leftover Shrimp and Orzo Salad
To reheat leftover greek-flavored shrimp and orzo salad, start by placing the desired portion in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture and prevent the shrimp from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the salad is heated through.
Alternatively, you can reheat the greek-flavored shrimp and orzo salad in a skillet on the stovetop. Add a small amount of olive oil or water to the skillet and heat over medium heat. Add the salad to the skillet and stir gently, heating until the salad is warmed through and the shrimp is hot. This method allows you to adjust the consistency of the salad by adding more liquid if needed.
For a cold serving option, remove the salad from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving to allow it to come to room temperature. This will help the flavors to meld and the feta to soften slightly. If the salad seems dry, you can drizzle a small amount of olive oil and lemon juice over the top and toss gently to refresh the flavors.
If you find that the orzo has absorbed much of the dressing during storage, you can whisk together a small batch of the dressing (using lemon juice, vinegar, salt, pepper, oregano, and olive oil) and toss it with the salad before serving. This will help to revive the flavors and keep the salad moist.
For a quick and easy lunch option, portion the leftover greek-flavored shrimp and orzo salad into individual serving containers. When ready to eat, remove the salad from the container and place it on a plate. If desired, you can add a few fresh olives, crumbled feta, or chopped scallions on top for added flavor and texture.
Interesting Trivia About Greek-Flavored Shrimp and Orzo Salad
Greek-flavored shrimp and orzo salad is a delicious and healthy dish that combines the flavors of the Mediterranean. It is a versatile recipe that can be served as a main course or a side dish. The combination of orzo, shrimp, olives, and feta cheese creates a flavorful and satisfying meal. This dish is also a great source of lean protein and whole grains, making it a nutritious option for any meal. Additionally, the fresh oregano and lemon juice add a burst of freshness to the salad, enhancing its overall taste. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this Greek-flavored shrimp and orzo salad is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Budget-Friendly: Making Greek Shrimp and Orzo Salad at Home
This Greek-flavored shrimp and orzo salad recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as shrimp and orzo, are reasonably priced and readily available. The addition of olive oil, lemon juice, and feta may slightly increase the cost, but these ingredients are versatile and can be used in various other dishes. Overall, this recipe offers a delightful and satisfying meal for a family of four at an approximate cost of $20. Verdict: 9/10.
Is This Greek-Flavored Shrimp Dish Healthy?
The Greek-flavored shrimp and orzo salad recipe is a relatively healthy dish with a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Here's a breakdown of the nutritional aspects:
- Orzo provides complex carbohydrates for energy
- Shrimp is a lean protein source, low in calories and fat
- Olive oil is a healthy source of monounsaturated fats
- Lemon juice and vinegar add flavor without excessive calories
- Oregano, scallions, and olives provide antioxidants and flavor
- Feta cheese adds calcium and protein, but also contributes saturated fat and sodium
While this recipe has many healthy components, there are a few areas where it could be improved:
- Reduce the amount of feta cheese to lower the saturated fat and sodium content
- Use whole wheat orzo to increase the fiber content and nutritional value of the dish
- Add more vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers, to boost the vitamin and mineral content
- Opt for low-sodium olives to reduce the overall sodium levels
- Use a combination of lemon juice and zest to enhance the citrus flavor without adding extra calories
By making these small adjustments, you can elevate the nutritional profile of the dish while maintaining its delicious Greek-inspired flavors. Additionally, consider pairing this salad with a side of fresh greens or a vegetable-based soup to create a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Editor's Opinion on This Greek-Flavored Shrimp Recipe
This Greek-flavored shrimp and orzo salad recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The orzo and shrimp are perfectly cooked and complemented by the tangy dressing, briny olives, and creamy feta. The use of fresh oregano adds a lovely herbaceous note, while the scallions provide a subtle onion flavor. This dish is versatile and can be served warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for any occasion. The wine recommendation of a pinot blanc from northern Italy's Friuli or Alto Adige is spot on, as it will beautifully complement the dish's flavors. Overall, this recipe is a winner and is sure to impress!
Enhance Your Shrimp-and-Orzo Salad with Greek Flavors Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Greek-Flavored Shrimp and Orzo Salad
Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Greek-Flavored Shrimp and Orzo Salad
Why trust this Shrimp-and-Orzo Salad with Greek Flavors Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors, combining succulent shrimp with the comforting texture of orzo. The use of lemon juice and olive oil infuses the dish with a refreshing zest, while the addition of feta and black olives provides a rich and savory depth. The careful balance of oregano and scallions adds a harmonious blend of aromatics. Trust in the simplicity and authenticity of these ingredients to deliver a truly satisfying and flavorful experience.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
