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Ina Garten Shrimp Orzo Salad Recipe

Ina Garten Shrimp Orzo Salad Recipe

The Ina Garten Shrimp Orzo Salad Recipe is a fantastic choice. This salad is light, colorful, and very refreshing.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound of dry orzo pasta.
  • 2 pounds of extra-large raw shrimp.
  • 3 tablespoons of good olive oil.
  • 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
  • 1 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
  • 1 cup of diced hothouse cucumber.
  • 1/2 cup of diced red onion.
  • 3/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese.
  • 2 teaspoons of grated lemon zest.
  • 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice.
  • 1/2 cup of good olive oil for dressing.
  • 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped dill.

Instructions
 

Roast the Shrimp

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and devein the raw shrimp. Toss them with oil, salt, and pepper on a pan. Roast for 6 minutes until they are pink.

Boil the Orzo

  • Bring a large pot of salty water to boil. Add the orzo pasta to the water. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until tender. Drain the water and move to a bowl.

Make the Dressing

  • Whisk the lemon juice and olive oil together. Add the lemon zest and a pinch of salt. This dressing will be very bright and tangy.

Cool the Pasta

  • Pour the dressing over the hot orzo pasta. Stir it well so the pasta absorbs the flavor. Let the pasta cool to room temperature.

Chop the Veggies

  • Dice your cucumber into very small squares. Finely mince the red onion and the herbs. Fresh dill is very important for the scent.

Combine All Items

  • Add the roasted shrimp to the cooled pasta. Stir in the cucumbers, onions, and fresh parsley. Mix everything gently with a large spoon.

Add the Cheese

  • Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top. Toss it one more time very lightly. You want the cheese to stay in chunks.

Chill and Serve

  • Let the salad sit for at least one hour. This allows the flavors to blend together well. Serve it cold or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Use extra-large shrimp for the best look and bite.
  • Do not overcook the orzo pasta in the water.
  • Pasta should be firm so it does not mush.
  • Dress the orzo while it is still warm.
  • Warm pasta soaks up more of the lemon dressing.
  • Use a hothouse cucumber to avoid bitter seeds.
  • Fresh dill and parsley are better than dried herbs.
  • Add the feta cheese right before you serve.
  • This keeps the cheese from turning the salad white.
  • Store the leftovers in a sealed plastic bowl.
Keyword Ina Garten Shrimp Orzo Salad Recipe