5.0 from 30 votes
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
My Mediterranean orzo salad with shrimp brings the sunny Mediterranean to your table ~ this healthy pasta salad is meant for easy nights, warmer temperatures, and hungry folks.
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 286 kcal
Course:
Dinner
Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups raw orzo
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice, divided
- 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1/2 lb raw shrimp, I used 16/20 sized shrimp
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup kalamata olives, sliced in half
- 1 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 small red onion, slivered
- 2 cups baby arugula, rough chopped
- 2 Tbsp fresh mint, minced (substitute basil)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in wedges
- salt and fresh cracked black pepper
dressing
- 4 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp champagne vinegar (or other mild white vinegar)
Instructions
- Cook the orzo in plenty of well salted water according to package instructions. Toss your freshly cooked orzo with the lemon zest, juice, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Put into a large salad bowl.
- Toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon olive oil and the minced garlic. Saute in a skillet until the shrimp curls and turns opaque. This won't take long, so don't over cook! Hit the pan with a squeeze of lemon juice at the end. Add to the bowl with the orzo.
- Whisk together the olive oil and vinegar for the dressing. Note: feel free to make extra dressing if you like your salads on the 'juicy' side.
- Add the olives, bell pepper, onions, arugula, mint, feta cheese, and cherry tomatoes to the bowl with the orzo and shrimp.
- Toss everything with the dressing. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, or chill until ready to serve. Note: if you are making this ahead, wait until serving time to add the tomatoes.
Cup of Yum
Nutrition Information
Calories
286kcal
(14%)
Carbohydrates
25g
(8%)
Protein
12g
(24%)
Fat
16g
(25%)
Saturated Fat
3g
(15%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
Monounsaturated Fat
10g
Trans Fat
1g
Cholesterol
54mg
(18%)
Sodium
411mg
(17%)
Potassium
275mg
(8%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
2g
(4%)
Vitamin A
406IU
(8%)
Vitamin C
42mg
(47%)
Calcium
98mg
(10%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 286
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 286kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 25g | 8% |
| Protein | 12g | 24% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 54mg | 18% |
| Sodium | 411mg | 17% |
| Potassium | 275mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 406IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 42mg | 47% |
| Calcium | 98mg | 10% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.