Lemon Basil Shrimp Orzo Salad
Enjoy this Lemon Basil Shrimp Orzo Salad for a fresh, light, and flavor-packed meal! Tender shrimp, perfectly cooked orzo, and vibrant basil are tossed in a zesty lemon dressing for a bright and refreshing taste. This easy and healthy recipe is perfect for summer lunches, quick dinners, or meal prep. Made with simple ingredients and ready in no time, it’s a must-try for anyone who loves fresh, Mediterranean-inspired dishes!
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
- 1 cup orzo pasta (uncooked)
- 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup Kalamata olives, sliced (optional)
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- For the Lemon Basil Dressing:
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
- ½ tsp honey (optional, for balance)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Orzo : Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo pasta and cook until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cool water to stop cooking. Toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Step 2: Cook the Shrimp : Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Step 3: Prepare the Dressing : In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, basil, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning — add more lemon juice for extra brightness if desired.
- Step 4: Assemble the Salad In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, shrimp, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and basil. Pour the lemon-basil dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Sprinkle with feta cheese before serving.
- Step 5: Chill or Serve : You can serve the salad immediately slightly warm, or chill it for 30 minutes for a refreshing cold version.