Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Salad with Feta and Lemon

I’ve been making this Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Salad for as long as I can remember. It’s the ultimate pasta salad with veggies like red onion and cherry tomatoes, plenty of fresh herbs, and a simple vinaigrette. Add some juicy cooked shrimp and crumbled feta cheese, and you have a vibrant dish packed with Mediterranean flavors.

My Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Salad is honestly one of my favorite lunch recipes. It’s a well-balanced meal with juicy shrimp, flavorful veggies, and salty crumbled feta cheese. Whether you enjoy this recipe as a light lunch or a side at your next summer barbecue, this Mediterranean salad will be the star of the show! Honestly, it is a mix of all of my favorite things!

This salad is a great idea for the summer months and is an easy weeknight dinner or can be the perfect side dish to bring to a get-together. This vibrant summer salad includes fresh flavors thanks to fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, fresh dill, and, of course, garlic!

All the flavors of the Mediterranean are present in this easy Greek orzo salad. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do! If you’re looking for more summery dishes, check out my Pesto Bruschetta with Marinated Tomatoes. And if you like shrimp, try my creamy shrimp and grits, shrimp couscous, shrimp penne alla vodka, and baked stuffed shrimp!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s meal prep and make-ahead friendly – It’s a practical choice for busy days – prepare it for barbecues or portion it out for hassle-free lunches throughout the week.
• You can easily customize it – Make it your own! This pasta salad is easily customizable, letting you tweak the ingredients to match your taste preferences for a straightforward and enjoyable meal.

Ingredients

• Lemon juice – A  squeeze of fresh lemons for a burst of acidity that brightens up the flavors. The citrusy notes complement the other ingredients.
• Red wine vinegar – A splash of red wine vinegar introduces a subtle tanginess and depth to your salad.
• Extra virgin olive oil –  Olive oil’s robust flavor not only coats the ingredients but also brings a distinct Mediterranean essence, tying the elements together for a more genuine experience.
• Dried oregano – This herb is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, imparting a traditional flavor that enhances the overall character of the dish.
• Fresh dill – Adding fresh dill contributes a light and herbaceous freshness.
• Minced garlic – Adding minced garlic enhances the savory complexity of your salad and adds a little bite!
• Orzo – Incorporating orzo provides a substantial base to your salad. The pasta absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients, adding a comforting and hearty element to the dish. Love orzo? Try my baked chicken and orzo or arugula orzo salad!
• Cooked shrimp – Adding cooked shrimp offers a meaty boost and succulent texture. The seafood component is savory, making your salad more filling and satisfying.
• Feta cheese – Crumbling feta cheese over your salad contributes a creamy and tangy aspect. It adds richness and depth, balancing the other flavors and creating a more indulgent bite!
• Red onion – Adding red onion provides a mild bite and crunchy texture. It contributes to the overall composition, adding layers of flavor and enhancing the salad’s texture.
• Cherry tomatoes – Adding cherry tomatoes brings sweetness and vibrant color. These little bursts of flavor complement the savory elements, providing a refreshing and visually appealing aspect to your salad.
• Kalamata olives – Kalamata olives introduce a briny and authentic Mediterranean touch. The olives add a distinctive flavor that complements the other ingredients, creating a more nuanced taste.
• Cucumber – Incorporating cucumber offers a refreshing and crisp texture. Its mild flavor balances the richness of other components, providing a cool contrast and enhancing the overall mouthfeel of your salad.

Substitutions and Variations

• Substitute for olive oil – Substitute with avocado oil for a lighter option or try melted butter for a richer flavor profile.
• Skip the red wine vinegar –  Replace with white wine vinegar for a milder taste or use apple cider vinegar for a slightly fruity note.
• Switch up the orzo – Opt for quinoa for a gluten-free alternative, or use couscous for a similar texture with a distinct flavor.
• Artichoke hearts – Enhance the Mediterranean vibe by adding marinated artichoke hearts. Their tender texture and tangy flavor will complement the other ingredients.
• Sun-dried tomatoes – Also, you can introduce a sweet and savory intensity by incorporating sun-dried tomatoes. Their concentrated flavor adds depth to the salad.
• Pine nuts – Include pine nuts for a delightful crunch and nutty taste. Toast them lightly before adding to enhance their flavor and texture.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: First, let’s prepare the vinaigrette! In a large mixing bowl (that will fit the 12 cups of salad), combine olive oil, dried oregano, sea salt, black pepper, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and minced garlic.

Step 2: Whisk until well blended. Set aside. 

Step 3: Cook the orzo according to package instructions (and, of course, use salted water). Drain and add the hot orzo directly to the vinaigrette in the mixing bowl. Adding the orzo while it’s hot helps to add a little extra pasta water liquid and allows the orzo to soak in the vinaigrette.

Step 4: Add the diced red onion and kalamata olives…

Step 5: Then add the cucumbers and cherry tomatoes.

Step 6: Mix everything to combine. 

Step 7: Then, add the chopped cooked shrimp before giving it another big mix.

Step 8: Continue to mix until everything is evenly distributed.

Step 7: lastly, it’s time to add the crumbled feta cheese to the bowl.

Step 8: Gently toss all the ingredients together until the orzo and other components are evenly coated with the vinaigrette, ensuring a well-distributed blend of flavors.

Allow the salad to rest for a few minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve the Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Salad in individual portions of 2 cups each. Enjoy this refreshing and flavorful dish that makes six servings!

Tips and Notes

• Cooking the orzo – Be mindful not to overcook the orzo; aim for a slightly al dente texture. Rinse the orzo under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
• Freshness matters –For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and high-quality olive oil. These ingredients play a crucial role in the overall taste of the vinaigrette and the Mediterranean shrimp orzo salad.
• Customize to taste – Feel free to adjust the quantities of ingredients based on your preferences. Add more or less garlic, adjust the salt and pepper, or incorporate additional herbs to tailor the salad to your liking.
• Serve chilled or at room temperature – This Mediterranean shrimp orzo salad is versatile and can be served either chilled or at room temperature. Choose based on your preference or the occasion.
• Shrimp prep – If using pre-cooked shrimp, ensure they are thoroughly thawed and patted dry before chopping. This prevents excess moisture from diluting the flavors. For this recipe, I usually just quickly cook the deveined shrimp for 1-2 minutes in a hot skillet with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper! I squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the shrimp before taking them off the heat!

Recipe FAQs

Serving Suggestions

• Wine pairing – Opt for a dry Rosé with notes of red berries. Its versatility pairs well with the medley of flavors in the salad, providing a refreshing contrast. Rosé is my favorite wine to serve with seafood. Alternatively, a  crisp and citrusy Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the freshness of the salad. 
• As a main course – Serve the Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Salad as a refreshing main course. It’s a satisfying dish!
• As a side dish – Pair this salad with grilled chicken, fish, or even burgers for a delightful and well-balanced meal.
• Lunchbox favorite – Portion the salad into individual containers for a delicious and wholesome lunch. It’s a great option for meal prep throughout the week.
• Your next potluck star – Bring this salad to potluck gatherings to impress friends and family. Its colorful presentation and Mediterranean flair make it a standout dish.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration – Store any leftover Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad can be refrigerated for up to 2-3 days. Beyond this timeframe, the texture and flavors may be affected. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent the absorption of any fridge odors and to maintain the salad’s freshness.
• Avoid freezing – Freezing this salad is not recommended, as freezing can alter the texture of ingredients like tomatoes and cucumbers.
• Refreshing before serving – Before serving any refrigerated leftovers, gently toss the salad to redistribute the dressing and ensure all components remain flavorful.

By following these storage instructions, you can enjoy the Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Salad at its best for an extended period.