Shrimp Orzo Salad

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This Shrimp Orzo Salad recipe is a delicious and healthy salad that combines tender, succulent shrimp with pasta, fresh vegetables, and Italian dressing. It’s the perfect meal for when you want something light and refreshing. Add this to your summer cookout and BBQ spreads.

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What Type of Shrimp to Use

Look for shrimp that are fresh, with a firm texture and no off odors. Avoid shrimp that are slimy or have a strong ammonia smell. Choose shrimp that are sustainably sourced to ensure that the seafood industry is not harming the environment or contributing to overfishing.

In terms of preparation, decide whether you want to buy shrimp that are already deveined, shells on, shells, off, etc. Deveining is the process of removing the digestive tract or “vein” that runs along the back. When you purchase deveined shrimp the black or brownish-colored digestive tract is already removed.

To do it yourself, make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp with a sharp knife and then use the tip of the knife to carefully lift and remove the vein.

You should also consider where the shrimp are from. Different regions may have different species and quality standards. For taste, wild-caught shrimp are generally considered to be the best option as they have a more flavorful and firmer texture compared to farm-raised shrimp.

Farm-raised shrimp are raised in captivity on a shrimp farm. These farms can be located in ponds or in tanks on land. The shrimp are typically fed a diet of fishmeal, soy, and other ingredients, and are sometimes given antibiotics or other chemicals to prevent disease. Those chemicals are then passed into the food you eat.

When it comes to size, small to medium-sized shrimp work well in salads because they’re easy to eat and distribute evenly throughout the dish. Look for shrimp that are about 20-30 count per pound.

With that being said, I still prefer large or jumbo shrimp for my personal salads. Do what works best for you.

What Type of Pasta to Use

Orzo is a type of pasta that is shaped like a grain of rice. The name “orzo” means “barley” in Italian, but the pasta is typically made from wheat flour and is not related to barley. It has a small, oval shape and a slightly chewy texture that holds up well in soups and stews.

Orzo has a mild, nutty flavor that is similar to other types of pasta made from wheat flour. Because it’s a small and versatile pasta, it can take on the flavors of the ingredients it is cooked with.

You can also use rice, couscous, quinoa, or elbows.

Salad Dressing

I like to use Italian Dressing. The best dressing is a light and tangy vinaigrette that complements the flavors of the pasta and vegetables without overwhelming them.

A classic vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, or lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.

Another option is a lemon-herb dressing made with olive oil, lemon juice, fresh herbs like parsley, dill, basil, garlic, and salt and pepper. This dressing adds a bright and fresh flavor.

You can also use a creamy dressing like a Greek yogurt-based dressing or a ranch dressing if you prefer a creamier texture.

How to Make Shrimp Orzo Salad

Full detailed instructions are below in the recipe card.

1. Cook the orzo in accordance with the directions on the package.
2. Sprinkle both sides of the shrimp with lemon pepper and salt to taste. Rub the spices into the shrimp.
3. Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil to a skillet on medium-high heat.
4. Add the seasoned shrimp.
5. Add the cooked orzo, cooked shrimp, dressing, cheese, and vegetables to a mixing bowl. Stir to combine the ingredients.
6. Serve immediately or chill.

How to Tell When the Shrimp is Done/Finished Cooking

Cooked shrimp will turn pink and opaque. The shrimp will also become firm when you touch it. Perfectly cooked shrimp usually has a C-shape, as opposed to a tightly curled O shape.

You can also check out my guide on How to Tell if Shrimp is Cooked here.

More Toppings Ideas

• Olives
• Carrots
• Basil
• Goat Cheese
• Dill
• Croutons
• Mango
• Peaches
• Strawberries
• Dried Fruit
• Pecans
• Peanuts
• Sunflower Seeds
• Hemp Seeds
• Broccoli

How to Store

Avoid leaving it out at room temperature: Bacteria can grow rapidly in food that is left out at room temperature for more than two hours. To prevent this, make sure to put the leftover salad in the refrigerator as soon as possible.

It’s best to eat this salad as soon as possible, but it will last tightly covered and sealed in the fridge for 3-4 days.

More Pasta Recipes

Scallops and Pasta in White Wine Sauce
Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp and Crab
Lobster Ravioli with Tomato Cream Sauce
Seafood Stuffed Shells
Shrimp Risotto

More Salad Recipes

Lump Crab Salad with Real Crab Meat
Shrimp Orzo Pasta Salad
Grilled Shrimp Salad
Cajun Shrimp Salad
Mango Fruit Salad
Watermelon Salad with Feta
Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing