Ina Garten’s Perfect Orzo Salad With Shrimp Recipe

Ina Garten’s orzo salad with shrimp represents a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish that dances with flavor and texture.

Seafood lovers appreciate this refreshing pasta creation for its light and invigorating profile.

Mediterranean ingredients intermingle beautifully, creating a harmonious blend of colors and tastes.

Delicate shrimp provide protein-rich substance while herbs add bright, aromatic notes to each delightful bite.

Fresh vegetables contribute crisp elements that elevate the overall eating experience.

Summer gatherings or casual lunch scenarios welcome this elegant yet approachable meal with open arms.

Tips to Avoid Overcooked Pasta or Shrimp

• Perfectly Prep Pasta: Rinse orzo with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking, ensuring a light, separate texture in the salad.
• Maximize Shrimp Flavor: Pat shrimp completely dry before roasting to achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming instead of caramelizing.
• Balance Dressing Consistency: Whisk vinaigrette ingredients vigorously to create a smooth, well-emulsified dressing that coats every ingredient evenly.
• Elevate Herb Freshness: Chop herbs just before adding to the salad to preserve their vibrant color, aroma, and maximum flavor impact.
• Smart Storage Strategy: Store the salad in an airtight container to keep it fresh and allow flavors to develop, with the salad tasting even better the next day.

Storing Orzo Salad for Weekday Lunches

• Sealed Container Method: Transfer the orzo salad into a glass or ceramic container with a tight-fitting lid. Glass containers prevent flavor absorption and maintain ingredient integrity better than plastic, keeping your salad fresh and vibrant.
• Temperature Control Method: Maintain the salad at a consistent 40°F or below in the refrigerator. Chill within two hours of preparation to preserve seafood safety and prevent bacterial growth, ensuring maximum flavor and texture retention.
• Ingredient Separation Method: Consider storing shrimp and remaining salad ingredients separately if planning longer storage. This technique prevents soggy textures and maintains crisp vegetable freshness, allowing you to reassemble the salad just before serving for optimal taste and presentation.

Creative Takes on Shrimp Orzo Salad

• Mediterranean Herb Explosion: Replace dill and parsley with fresh oregano, basil, and mint for a vibrant Mediterranean flavor profile that brings zesty herbal notes to the orzo salad.
• Spicy Southwestern Remix: Add diced jalapeños, replace cucumber with roasted corn, incorporate cilantro, and sprinkle chili powder over shrimp for a bold, southwestern-inspired version with extra heat.
• Lemony Greek Classic: Boost citrus elements by adding lemon zest, using lemon-infused olive oil, and squeezing fresh lemon juice over the salad to create a bright, refreshing Mediterranean-inspired dish that enhances the seafood and feta combination.
• Protein Power Bowl: Swap shrimp with grilled chicken or seared salmon, add quinoa mixed with orzo for extra protein, and include roasted bell peppers to create a more substantial and nutritionally balanced meal.

Orzo Shrimp Salad Recap

Mediterranean magic unfolds through Ina Garten’s orzo salad, blending coastal flavors with fresh ingredients.

Roasted shrimp nestles among delicate pasta, creating harmonious textures and zesty profiles.

Crisp cucumber and fragrant herbs elevate this Mediterranean-inspired dish with elegant simplicity.

Mediterranean culinary traditions shine through each carefully balanced bite of this masterful recipe.

Green scallions and tangy feta cheese complete the sensory experience, inviting palate exploration.

Passionate cooks can embrace this recipe’s charm – share its delightful story, spark culinary conversations, and spread Mediterranean joy across social platforms.

Why Orzo Salad with Shrimp Shines

• Burst with Fresh Mediterranean Flavors: This zesty orzo salad delivers a vibrant blend of herbs, seafood, and tangy feta that transports your taste buds straight to a sunny Greek island.
• Super Quick Weeknight Dinner Solution: With just 20 minutes of prep time and minimal cooking, this recipe becomes your go-to meal for busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Make-Ahead Magic: The salad actually gets more flavorful as it sits, making it perfect for meal prep, picnics, potlucks, or easy lunch options that taste even better the next day.
• Nutritious One-Pot Protein Powerhouse: Packed with lean shrimp, fresh herbs, and crisp vegetables, this dish offers a balanced meal that's light, satisfying, and loaded with wholesome ingredients that keep you energized.

Everything You Need for Pasta Seafood Bliss

• Shrimp: Sweet and tender seafood that provides protein, best when fresh and deveined.
• Orzo: Small pasta shaped like rice, perfect for light and refreshing salads.

• Scallions: Mild onion flavor that adds brightness and crisp texture.
• Dill: Delicate herb with a tangy, slightly grassy taste that complements seafood.
• Parsley: Fresh green herb that brings a clean, vibrant note to the dish.
• Cucumber: Crisp vegetable that adds cool, refreshing crunch to the salad.
• Red Onion: Sharp and pungent vegetable that provides a zesty background flavor.

• Olive Oil: Rich, smooth oil for roasting shrimp and adding moisture to the salad.
• Salt: Essential seasoning to enhance overall flavor of the dish.
• Black Pepper: Warm, slightly spicy seasoning that adds depth.
• Feta Cheese: Tangy, crumbly Greek cheese that brings creamy and salty elements.

How to Toss Orzo and Shrimp Together

Step 1: Preheat The Oven

Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, preparing it for roasting the shrimp.

Step 2: Prepare Orzo Pasta

• Boil water in a large pot
• Add orzo pasta
• Cook until pasta reaches al dente texture (tender but firm)
• Drain pasta completely
• Transfer to a spacious mixing bowl

Step 3: Roast Succulent Shrimp

• Place shrimp on a baking sheet
• Drizzle with olive oil
• Sprinkle with salt and black pepper
• Roast in preheated oven for 5-6 minutes until perfectly cooked

Step 4: Craft The Vibrant Salad

• Scallions
• Fresh dill
• Parsley
• Cucumber
• Red onion

Crumble feta cheese into the mixture. Season with additional salt and pepper

Step 5: Allow Flavors To Meld

Let salad rest at room temperature for one hour or refrigerate overnight

Taste and adjust seasoning just before serving

Serve chilled or at room temperature for maximum flavor enjoyment

Ina Garten Orzo Salad With Shrimp Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired Ina Garten orzo salad brings coastal Greek flavors to your table with succulent shrimp, crisp vegetables, and tangy feta cheese. Fresh herbs and zesty lemon dressing elevate this light yet satisfying dish that you will savor with each refreshing bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (16 to 18 count) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ¾ pound orzo pasta (rice-shaped pasta)
• ¾ pound good feta cheese, large diced

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 hothouse cucumber, unpeeled, seeded, and medium-diced
• 1 cup minced scallions, white and green parts
• 1 cup chopped fresh dill
• 1 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• ½ cup small-diced red onion

Seasonings and Liquids:

• ¼ cup good olive oil (plus more for roasting shrimp)
• ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (3 lemons)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more for seasoning)
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (plus more for seasoning)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even cooking.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add orzo pasta and cook for 8-9 minutes until tender yet firm, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Drain the orzo thoroughly in a colander, then transfer to a spacious mixing bowl to cool slightly and prevent overcooking.
4. Arrange raw shrimp in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded for proper roasting.
5. Drizzle the shrimp with extra virgin olive oil, then season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, tossing to coat evenly.
6. Roast the shrimp in the preheated oven for 5-6 minutes, or until they turn opaque and develop a light pink color with slight golden edges.
7. Remove shrimp from the oven and immediately add to the orzo pasta to prevent further cooking.
8. Gently fold in freshly chopped scallions, dill, parsley, diced cucumber, red onion, crumbled feta cheese, additional salt, and black pepper.
9. Allow the salad to rest at room temperature for 30-60 minutes to let flavors meld, or refrigerate for deeper flavor development.
10. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper as needed, ensuring a balanced and vibrant taste profile.

Notes

• Marinate flavors by letting the salad rest at room temperature for an hour or refrigerate overnight, allowing the ingredients to develop a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Mix ingredients thoroughly, ensuring every bite contains a balanced combination of orzo, roasted shrimp, and complementary seasonings.
• Roast shrimp carefully by spreading them in a single layer on the baking sheet, preventing overcrowding and guaranteeing even, golden-brown edges.
• Cook orzo precisely, aiming for that perfect al dente texture that keeps the pasta firm and prevents a mushy consistency in the final dish.
• Chill the salad before serving to enhance the overall flavor and allow the dressing to fully integrate with the ingredients.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 500 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg