Shrimp Orzo Salad

This Shrimp Orzo Salad is easy to make, fresh tasting, and perfect for spring or summer. Tender orzo is tossed with fresh herbs, crunchy cucumber, shrimp, and an easy lemon dressing.

I love that this recipe can be a meal on its own, but it's also great paired with some other spring or summer favorites - like some Grilled Asparagus in Foil or Roasted Mini Peppers.

Jump to:

• ⭐Why I Love It:
• 🥘Ingredients
• 📖Variations
• 🔪Step by Step instructions
• 🍽Make Ahead and Leftovers
• 💭Recipe Tips
• 👩‍🍳Recipe FAQs
• 🥗Related Salad Recipes...
• Recipe
• Reviews

⭐Why I Love It:

• Easy Ingredients - Only simple, fresh ingredients are needed!
• Fresh and Light Tasting - The combination of fresh herbs with the zesty lemon dressing is perfect for spring or summer.
• Simple to Make - Just cook up the orzo, quickly roast the shrimp, and toss everything together.

🥘Ingredients

• Orzo Pasta - Orzo is a small pasta shape similar to the shape of rice. You can find it in most grocery stores, or you can swap in another pasta shape (see Variations below). Orzo is also used in this Shrimp and Orzo with Tomatoes recipe.
• Shrimp - I like to buy shrimp that is already peeled and deveined to save time
• Olive Oil and Salt/Pepper - To coat and season the shrimp before cooking
• Green Onions (Scallions) - You'll use both the whites and greens in the salad
• Fresh Herbs - I used fresh dill and fresh parsley but you could omit one or use other herbs.
• Cucumber
• Lemon Dressing - Lemons (for the zest and juice), Olive Oil, Salt and Pepper

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

📖Variations

• Other Veggies - This orzo salad is super customizable! You can add other veggies or herbs - some other ideas are Diced Red Onion, Halved Grape Tomatoes, and Roasted and Chopped Asparagus
• Add Cheese - Try adding cubed or crumbled feta cheese or even goat cheese.
• Other Pasta Shapes - If you don't have orzo, you can make this recipe with other pasta shapes like macaroni, fusilli, or farfalle.
• Grilled Shrimp instead of Roasted Shrimp - I love swapping in grilled shrimp for the roasted. This recipe for Grilled Shrimp Kabobs is great to use.

🔪Step by Step instructions

Making this Shrimp Orzo Salad doesn't get any easier! In the time it takes to cook the orzo, you can chop the veggies and mix up the dressing.

🍽Make Ahead and Leftovers

This recipe is a great option to make in advance!

• Make it a day ahead: You can fully mix up the salad the day before and store covered in the fridge. I recommend pulling out from the fridge and letting come to room temperature. Note that making it a day in advance will mean the orzo will soak up some of the dressing. Another option is to prep the components and toss together right before serving (this is my preferred option!
• Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

💭Recipe Tips

• Don't Overcook the Shrimp - Shrimp can overcook easily and get tough. They are done when they are just opaque and pink.
• Salt the Pasta Water - It's important to well salt the pasta water so the orzo has more flavor!

👩‍🍳Recipe FAQs

🥗Related Salad Recipes...

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