Oh, let me tell you – this Greek Style Grilled Shrimp Orzo Pasta Salad is a delightful addition to any meal and is one of my absolute favorites! I remember the first time I made it for a summer barbecue with friends. The sun was shining, the grill was sizzling, and the aroma of garlic and fresh herbs was dancing in the air. My friends devoured this dish in seconds, and it quickly became my go-to for gatherings.
What makes this salad so unique is the combination of the tender shrimp, fresh vegetables, and the tangy feta cheese, all mingled with the nutty orzo pasta. It’s like a Mediterranean vacation in a bowl! Plus, it’s versatile enough to enjoy warm or cold, making it perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just a cozy night in.
What’s in Greek Style Grilled Shrimp Orzo Pasta Salad?
Let’s break down the delicious ingredients that make this recipe a hit:
Orzo Pasta: This tiny pasta looks like rice, but it’s wonderfully chewy and soaks up the flavors perfectly. I often pick up whole wheat orzo for a bit more nutrition!
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is the star here. I prefer to get them peeled and deveined from my local seafood market. If you’re in a pinch, frozen shrimp will work too; just thaw them beforehand.
Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil does wonders for the shrimp and the salad. I always keep a nice bottle of extra virgin olive oil on hand for flavor.
Dried Oregano: This herb adds that classic Mediterranean flavor. I love using dried because it’s so convenient, but fresh oregano is equally amazing if you have it.
Garlic Powder: It gives the shrimp a tasty kick without needing to chop fresh garlic. Instant flavor, yay!
Salt and Pepper: Essential for elevating all the flavors in the dish.
Cherry Tomatoes: These bite-sized beauties add a pop of color and sweetness. I usually go for the vibrant, juicy ones that burst in your mouth.
Cucumber: Crunchy and refreshing, cucumbers balance the flavors and add a lovely crunch.
Celery: Similar to the cucumber, it adds crunch and a bit of a peppery flavor.
Red Onion: Finely chopped for that little bit of tang and flavor, this ingredient brightens up the salad.
Feta Cheese: Creamy and salty, feta brings richness to the dish. I always go for crumbled feta for easy mixing.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of this herb right before serving adds a fresh finish.
Juice of 1 Lemon: Fresh lemon juice brings everything together with its bright acidity, making each bite refreshing.
Lemon Wedges: Serving lemon wedges on the side lets everyone add a little extra zing to their salad!
Is Greek Style Grilled Shrimp Orzo Pasta Salad Good for You?
Absolutely! Not only is this dish packed with flavor, but it also comes with some health benefits.
Shrimp: These are low-calorie and a great source of protein. They also provide important vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12 and selenium.
Orzo: If you’re using whole wheat orzo, you’re getting extra fiber, which is fantastic for digestion.
Vegetables: The cherry tomatoes, cucumber, celery, and parsley are all low-calorie and loaded with vitamins, making this salad a nutritious choice for a light meal or a side dish.
Of course, some considerations include the overall sodium levels due to the feta cheese and any added salt. If you’re watching your sodium, you might want to use low-sodium feta or adjust the amount added.
Ingredients
– 8 oz orzo pasta
– 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cucumber, diced
– 1/2 cup celery, diced
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– Juice of 1 lemon
– Lemon wedges, for serving
*Serves 4-6.*
How to Make Greek Style Grilled Shrimp Orzo Pasta Salad?
1. Start by cooking the orzo pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain it and set aside to cool.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the shrimp with the olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss until all the shrimp are well-coated.
3. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced celery, finely chopped red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh parsley.
5. Gently add the grilled shrimp to the bowl and drizzle everything with fresh lemon juice. Lightly toss all the ingredients together so everything is well combined.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning with any additional salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve your pasta salad with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick. Enjoy this refreshing delight!
Serving Suggestions and Tips for Perfecting Your Salad
If you’re looking to jazz things up, try adding olives or artichoke hearts for extra Mediterranean flair! You could also substitute the shrimp for grilled chicken or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.
And don’t forget that this salad can be made ahead of time! It’s great for meal prep; just keep the shrimp separate until you’re ready to serve. Trust me, the flavors get even better after some time in the fridge.
So grab your apron and get ready to impress your family and friends with this Greek Style Grilled Shrimp Orzo Pasta Salad! I can’t wait to hear what you think about it! Enjoy every bite!
