Name: Greek Style Grilled Shrimp Orzo Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American (with Mediterranean influence)
Ingredients: 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; 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); 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

Description

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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Ingredients

Scale

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

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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.

Notes

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.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: American (with Mediterranean influence)