Easy Barefoot Contessa Shrimp Orzo Salad Recipe That’s Perfect

Bursting with Mediterranean flavors, this Barefoot contessa shrimp orzo salad transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that dances across your palate.

Mediterranean cuisine brings vibrant colors and incredible textures to every plate, creating an experience beyond mere eating.

Fresh seafood mingles with hearty pasta, delivering a perfect balance of protein and carbohydrates.

Crisp vegetables add delightful crunch and refreshing notes to each delectable bite.

Light and zesty seasonings elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary, making it an ideal summer meal.

Elegant yet uncomplicated, this recipe promises to impress without requiring complex cooking techniques.

Summer gatherings deserve something special that feels simultaneously sophisticated and relaxed: try this irresistible salad.

Fresh Takes on the Shrimp Orzo Combo

• Mediterranean Seafood Remix: Swap shrimp with grilled calamari or mixed seafood medley, add kalamata olives, and use fresh oregano instead of dill for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Southwest Fusion: Replace shrimp with chili-rubbed chicken, incorporate black beans, corn kernels, and swap feta for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty southwestern profile.
• Vegetarian Garden Harvest: Eliminate seafood and substitute with roasted zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers; keep the herb and cheese components for a robust vegetable-focused alternative.
• Mediterranean Quinoa Option: Exchange orzo with quinoa for a protein-packed, gluten-free base while maintaining the original fresh herb and vegetable combinations.

A Tasteful Summary of’s Salad Dish

Mediterranean culinary magic blooms with Barefoot Contessa’s shrimp orzo salad, presenting a harmonious blend of Mediterranean flavors.

Zesty lemon and fragrant herbs dance across delicate orzo and succulent roasted shrimp, creating a symphony of taste sensations.

Crisp cucumber and sharp red onion provide delightful textural contrasts against creamy feta cheese.

Refreshing dill and parsley elevate this dish from simple preparation to gourmet experience.

Coastal inspiration flows through each carefully balanced bite, transporting palates to sun-drenched Greek islands.

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Why Contessa’s Shrimp Orzo Salad Shines

• Savor Quick Seafood Delight: This shrimp orzo salad delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Embrace Mediterranean-Inspired Freshness: Packed with bright lemon, crisp cucumber, and aromatic herbs, the dish brings vibrant Mediterranean flavors that dance on your palate with each refreshing bite.
• Master Effortless Elegant Cooking: Roasting shrimp creates a foolproof method for achieving perfectly cooked seafood, while the simple dressing and mix-in technique make this recipe approachable for cooks of all skill levels.
• Enjoy Make-Ahead Magic: The salad's flexible serving options allow you to prepare it ahead of time, making it ideal for meal prep, picnics, potlucks, or a stress-free lunch that tastes even better after the flavors meld overnight.

Ingredient List for This Elegant Seafood Salad

Main Ingredients:

• Orzo: Small, rice-shaped pasta perfect for salads and holds dressing well.

• Shrimp: Succulent seafood that adds a delicate, sweet flavor to the salad. Choose fresh or frozen large shrimp for best results.

• Scallions, Dill, Parsley: Fresh herbs that bring brightness and complexity to the dish. Look for vibrant green, crisp herbs with no wilting.

• Cucumber, Red Onion: Crunchy vegetables that provide texture and sharp flavor. Select firm cucumber and sweet red onion for best taste.

Seasoning and Dressing Ingredients:

• Lemon Juice, Olive Oil: Essential for creating a light, zesty dressing that enhances all other ingredients.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that elevate and balance the flavors of the entire salad.

Finishing Ingredient:

• Feta: Tangy, crumbly cheese that adds a creamy, salty element to the Mediterranean-style salad. Choose high-quality, authentic Greek feta for best flavor.

Make Shrimp Orzo Salad the Contessa Way

Step 1: Prepare Oven for Roasting

Preheat the oven to 400°F, ensuring a hot cooking environment for the shrimp.

Step 2: Cook Orzo Perfectly

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook orzo until tender but firm (al dente), typically 8-10 minutes. Drain completely and transfer to a mixing bowl.

Step 3: Create Zesty Orzo Dressing

• Fresh lemon juice
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Toss the warm orzo in this vibrant dressing.

Step 4: Roast Succulent Shrimp

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 5-6 minutes until pink and slightly curled.

Step 5: Assemble Refreshing Mediterranean Salad

• Chopped scallions
• Fresh dill
• Chopped parsley
• Diced cucumber
• Sliced red onion
• Crumbled feta cheese

Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Rest and Enhance Flavors

Allow salad to sit at room temperature for 1 hour or refrigerate overnight. If chilled, let sit for 15-20 minutes before serving to bring out full flavor profile.

Tricks to Brighten the Flavor Profile

• Elevate Seafood Freshness: Keep shrimp refrigerated until the last moment to maintain crisp texture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Unleash Herb Vibrancy: Roughly tear herbs instead of chopping to release more intense aromatics and preserve delicate essential oils.
• Maximize Orzo Absorption: Allow warm orzo to cool slightly before mixing with dressing to help grains better absorb flavors.
• Balance Salad Moisture: Pat shrimp and cucumber dry with paper towels to prevent diluting the dressing's rich consistency.
• Transform Leftover Magic: Repurpose remaining salad by warming gently and serving over mixed greens for a quick next-day lunch.

Storing This Chilled Salad for Days

• Chilled Container Method: Stash the salad in a glass or ceramic container with a tight-sealing lid. Wrap the container in plastic wrap for extra protection against air and moisture. Refrigeration keeps the ingredients crisp and prevents bacterial growth.
• Feta Preservation Method: Store feta cheese separately in a small sealed container. Add the cheese just before serving to maintain its crumbly texture and prevent sogginess. Crumble the feta fresh for maximum flavor impact.
• Flavor Restoration Method: Remove the salad from the refrigerator 20-30 minutes before serving. Gently toss the ingredients to revive the dressing and redistribute herbs and seasonings. Room temperature allows the olive oil and lemon to release their full aromatic potential, bringing the salad back to life with vibrant, fresh flavors.

Barefoot Contessa Shrimp Orzo Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s shrimp orzo salad blends Mediterranean flavors with fresh, zesty ingredients. Creamy feta, tender shrimp, and herb-infused orzo create a delightful summer dish you’ll savor through each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• ¾ pound (340 grams) orzo pasta
• 2 pounds (907 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ¾ pound (340 grams) feta cheese, large diced
• 1 hothouse cucumber, unpeeled, seeded, and medium-diced

Herbs and Aromatics:

• 1 cup minced scallions, white and green parts
• 1 cup chopped fresh dill
• 1 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Seasoning and Liquid Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) freshly squeezed lemon juice (3 lemons)
• Good olive oil
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 400°F (204°C), preparing a baking sheet for roasting shrimp.
2. Fill a medium saucepan with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Add orzo and cook for 8-9 minutes until tender but firm, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Drain the orzo using a colander, then transfer to a large mixing bowl. Whisk together fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper to create a zesty vinaigrette.
4. Gently toss the warm orzo with the vinaigrette, ensuring each grain is evenly coated and absorbing the bright flavors.
5. Pat the raw shrimp dry with paper towels, then drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on the preheated baking sheet.
6. Roast the shrimp in the oven for 5-6 minutes, or until they turn pink and become slightly curled, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
7. Incorporate the roasted shrimp into the orzo mixture, then fold in chopped scallions, fresh dill, chopped parsley, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion.
8. Crumble feta cheese over the salad, gently mixing to distribute the ingredients evenly.
9. Allow the salad to rest at room temperature for 60 minutes to let the flavors meld, or refrigerate overnight. If chilled, let it sit for 15-20 minutes before serving to take off the cold edge.

Notes

• Prep this Mediterranean gem anytime for a quick, impressive meal that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.
• Customize the salad by swapping shrimp with grilled chicken or keeping it vegetarian with roasted chickpeas.
• Leftover ingredients can transform into exciting lunch bowls or next-day meal prep options.
• Store in an airtight container for up to two days, allowing flavors to develop and intensify.
• Maximize budget by purchasing frozen shrimp and using seasonal herbs from local markets.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling, Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 440 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg