Shrimp Orzo Salad – Easy, Healthy & Delicious!

If you’re looking for a light and flavorful dish that’s quick to throw together and perfect for warm weather, this Shrimp Orzo Salad is a total winner.

Juicy, tender shrimp pair perfectly with al dente orzo, fresh veggies, and a zesty lemon-herb dressing that makes every bite taste fresh and vibrant.

It’s everything you want in a healthy salad—protein-packed, refreshing, and satisfying. Serve it chilled or at room temperature, and you’ve got a gorgeous dish for lunch, dinner, meal prep, or your next potluck.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Orzo Salad

🦐 High-protein and filling, thanks to shrimp and orzo
🍋 Fresh and zesty with a citrus-herb vinaigrette
🥗 Loaded with veggies, light but satisfying
⏱️ Quick and easy, ready in about 30 minutes
❄️ Perfect cold or room temp, ideal for meal prep

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• ½ cup red bell pepper, chopped
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped

For the Lemon-Herb Dressing:

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Shrimp Orzo Salad

🍝 Cook the orzo according to package instructions in salted water. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside to cool.

🦐 Toss shrimp with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sauté in a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side, or until opaque and cooked through. Set aside to cool slightly.

🥗 In a large bowl, combine the cooled orzo, tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, onion, and feta.

🥄 In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper.

🍤 Add shrimp to the salad and pour the dressing over everything. Toss gently until well combined.

🌿 Sprinkle with fresh herbs, taste, and adjust seasoning. Chill in the fridge or serve immediately.

Optional Add-Ins and Variations

🥬 Toss in baby spinach or arugula for more greens
🫘 Add chickpeas or white beans for extra protein and fiber
🌶️ Mix in chopped jalapeño for a kick of heat
🧀 Try goat cheese or Parmesan as a feta alternative
🥑 Add avocado slices just before serving for creamy texture

Tips for the Best Shrimp Orzo Salad

✔ Use large or jumbo shrimp for a meaty bite
✔ Rinse orzo under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it quickly
✔ Chill before serving for the freshest flavor
✔ Don’t overcook the shrimp—just until they’re opaque and pink

Storage

📦 Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days
🍋 Stir in extra lemon juice or olive oil before serving if needed
🥶 Not recommended for freezing (shrimp and orzo don’t freeze well together)

Final Thoughts

This Shrimp Orzo Salad is the perfect blend of light, bright, and satisfying. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to become a warm-weather favorite.

Whether you serve it as a main or side dish, it delivers big taste with minimal effort—and that’s a recipe worth repeating. 🦐🍋🥗