Greek Style Grilled Shrimp Orzo Pasta Salad

Looking for a refreshing, protein-packed meal that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavor? This Greek Style Grilled Shrimp Orzo Pasta Salad is a light yet satisfying dish that combines tender grilled shrimp, perfectly cooked orzo, and a mix of fresh vegetables, herbs, and a zesty dressing. It’s ideal for warm days, backyard cookouts, or meal prepping for the week ahead.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fresh & Flavorful – Loaded with crisp vegetables, grilled shrimp, and vibrant herbs.
Healthy & Satisfying – Packed with lean protein and whole ingredients.
Perfect for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day!
Great for Gatherings – A crowd-pleaser at BBQs, picnics, and potlucks.
Customizable – Easy to adapt with your favorite veggies or grains.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Grilled Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Juice of ½ lemon

For the Orzo Salad:

• 1½ cups orzo pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (optional, but recommended)

For the Greek Dressing:

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk or small jar for mixing dressing
• Grill or grill pan
• Tongs
• Pot for boiling orzo
• Strainer or colander
• Cutting board and knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Orzo
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the orzo and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually about 8–10 minutes).
Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta.
Set aside in a large bowl.

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
In a bowl, combine olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
Add the shrimp and toss to coat evenly.
Let marinate for 10–15 minutes while the orzo cools and you prep the veggies.

Step 3: Grill the Shrimp
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Thread shrimp onto skewers or place directly on the grill.
Grill for 2–3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred.
Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly before removing from skewers.

Step 4: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Set aside to let the flavors meld.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad
To the cooled orzo, add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta, parsley, and dill.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to combine.

Step 6: Add the Grilled Shrimp
Gently fold the grilled shrimp into the salad or layer them on top for presentation.
Taste and adjust seasoning with extra lemon juice, salt, or pepper if needed.

Step 7: Chill and Serve
You can serve the salad immediately or chill it for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Garnish with extra herbs and lemon wedges before serving.

Tips for the Best Greek Orzo Salad
Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and herbs make a big difference in flavor.
Cool the Orzo – Rinse under cold water to keep the salad from getting mushy.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp – Just 2–3 minutes per side is enough for tender shrimp.
Make It Ahead – The flavors get even better after chilling for a few hours.
Double the Dressing – It’s so good, you might want extra for drizzling later.

Serving Suggestions
With Pita Bread – Serve with warm pita or pita chips for scooping.
Alongside Grilled Veggies – Bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant pair perfectly.
As a Main or Side – Works great as a light meal or next to grilled meats.
Top with More Cheese – Add extra feta for a creamier finish.

How to Store & Meal Prep

Storing:
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Best served cold or at room temperature.

Meal Prep Tip:
Store shrimp separately and add before serving to keep them fresh and juicy.

Reheating:
No need to reheat—this pasta salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temp.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different pasta?
   Yes! Try penne, farfalle, or even couscous for a fun twist.
2. Can I make it dairy-free?
   Absolutely. Just skip the feta or use a dairy-free alternative.
3. What can I use instead of shrimp?
   Grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas work well too.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   Swap the orzo for gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.
5. Can I make the dressing in advance?
   Yes, it can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Just shake before using.

Final Thoughts
This Greek Style Grilled Shrimp Orzo Pasta Salad is the kind of recipe that brings sunshine to your plate. It’s colorful, full of texture, and layered with the bold, tangy flavors of the Mediterranean. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch, dinner, or a picnic, it’s a feel-good dish that satisfies without weighing you down.

Give it a try, and bring a little taste of Greece to your table tonight!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: American (with Mediterranean influence)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 26g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 520mg

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