Fresh, vibrant, and full of Mediterranean flair, this Orzo Salad with Shrimp and Feta is the kind of dish that can brighten any table. The pairing of broiled shrimp with tangy lemon juice and creamy feta brings bold flavor to every bite. The cucumber adds crunch, while the fresh mint and dill make each mouthful feel garden-fresh and herbaceous.
Whether you’re looking for a hearty side for a cookout or a light, stand-alone main for lunch or dinner, this dish does it all. It’s easy to prepare, easy to scale, and even better when made ahead. Perfect for warm weather days, gatherings, or anytime you’re craving something light yet satisfying with a pop of zest.
Full Recipe:
Kosher salt
8 ounces orzo pasta (about 2 cups)
1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and coarsely chopped
1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
Freshly ground black pepper
Zest of 2 lemons
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
4 scallions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
1/2 cup chopped fresh dill
1 cup diced English cucumber
4 ounces crumbled feta cheese
3 tablespoons halved pitted kalamata olives
Directions:
Preheat the broiler.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook until al dente (about 2 minutes less than the package directions). Drain and rinse under cool water; shake off excess water and transfer to a large bowl. Stir occasionally to prevent clumping.
Toss shrimp with 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Arrange in a single layer and broil for 2–3 minutes, turning once, until shrimp are opaque and just cooked through.
Add cooked shrimp, lemon zest, lemon juice, scallions, mint, dill, cucumber, feta, olives, and remaining 1/3 cup olive oil to the orzo. Toss well to combine.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 6 hours. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal (approx.) | Servings: 6–8 servings
A Mediterranean-Inspired Delight: Orzo Salad with Shrimp and Feta
Orzo Salad with Shrimp and Feta is a shining example of how a few simple, quality ingredients can come together to create something truly unforgettable. This dish blends the elegance of Mediterranean flavors with the ease of everyday cooking, making it a favorite for home cooks, entertainers, and health-conscious eaters alike.
What sets this salad apart is the vibrant mix of textures and tastes—tender shrimp, chewy orzo pasta, crunchy cucumber, briny olives, and creamy feta, all kissed with the brightness of lemon and the freshness of herbs like dill and mint. Whether served warm or chilled, this dish adapts to any table and any season.
The Origins and Mediterranean Influence
The soul of this dish is deeply Mediterranean. Think Greek islands, breezy coastal kitchens, and sun-drenched herbs. The use of fresh dill, mint, kalamata olives, and feta cheese anchors the recipe in that part of the world, where meals are as much about community and health as they are about flavor.
Orzo, the pasta at the heart of the salad, may resemble rice, but it’s a true pasta—typically made from semolina flour. Common in Greek and Italian cuisine, orzo is often used in soups, cold salads, and creamy baked dishes. It serves as a wonderful, neutral base that allows bolder ingredients like shrimp and feta to shine through.
Shrimp, one of the leanest and most versatile seafood proteins, complements the dish with a mild sweetness and a succulent texture. When broiled just right, shrimp develops a slight char that enhances the salad’s overall complexity.
Why This Salad Works So Well
What makes this salad such a hit with so many different people? The answer lies in its balance. Each component brings something different to the table:
Acidity from lemon juice and zest
Creaminess from the feta
Herbaceous notes from mint and dill
Savory richness from the shrimp and olive oil
Salinity from the kalamata olives
Crunch from the cucumber
All of these ingredients are tossed with orzo, which gently absorbs the dressing and unites the flavors. The result is a harmonious dish that never feels heavy, even though it’s hearty enough to serve as a full meal.
A Versatile Dish for Every Occasion
This salad is a chameleon. It fits as comfortably on a picnic table as it does on a holiday buffet. Here are just a few ways it can be served:
As a main dish – With its balance of carbs, protein, and veggies, this salad is a complete meal in itself.
As a side dish – Pair it with grilled meats, crusty bread, or a mezze platter for a festive spread.
At picnics or potlucks – It can be made ahead, stored in the fridge, and tastes great at room temperature.
As a lunchbox favorite – Pack it in containers for a refreshing, energizing midday meal.
Its adaptability also makes it ideal for meal prepping or hosting, especially since the flavors deepen as it sits in the refrigerator.
Nutrition and Health Benefits
Orzo Salad with Shrimp and Feta is more than just a flavorful dish—it’s a nutritious one. Here’s why this meal is a great addition to your healthy eating routine:
Shrimp is high in protein, low in fat, and a great source of selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine.
Feta cheese adds a dose of calcium and healthy fats in moderation, along with a bold flavor that lets you use less.
Olive oil, a staple in Mediterranean diets, is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.
Lemon juice provides vitamin C and brightens the flavor without added sodium.
Herbs like dill and mint not only contribute refreshing flavor but also have anti-inflammatory and digestive properties.
Cucumber brings hydration and fiber, helping balance the denser components of the salad.
Compared to heavier mayo-based pasta salads, this one is light, bright, and much lower in calories and saturated fats—without compromising satisfaction.
How to Customize the Dish to Suit Your Tastes
One of the greatest strengths of this recipe is its flexibility. Once you master the basic version, you can mix things up based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Here are some easy customizations:
Make it vegetarian: Simply omit the shrimp or substitute it with roasted chickpeas or grilled tofu.
Change the protein: Swap the shrimp with grilled chicken, seared scallops, or even smoked salmon for a different twist.
Switch up the herbs: If mint and dill aren’t your favorites, try basil, parsley, or chives.
Add more veggies: Roasted cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or red bell peppers make colorful, nutritious additions.
Go spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of harissa to bring heat to the dish.
Try different grains: If you don’t have orzo, couscous, farro, or quinoa work beautifully too.
These variations can help you keep the dish fresh week after week or adjust it to suit seasonal ingredients.
Tips for Perfect Results Every Time
While the recipe itself is straightforward, here are a few pro tips to ensure the best results:
Don’t overcook the orzo. You want it just al dente, since it will continue to soften slightly as it sits in the dressing.
Cool your pasta properly. Rinsing it under cool water helps stop the cooking process and prevents it from clumping.
Use high-quality olive oil. Since it’s a major flavor player here, a good cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil makes a noticeable difference.
Let the flavors meld. If you have the time, let the finished salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. It tastes even better once the ingredients have had time to get to know each other.
Pairing Ideas and Serving Suggestions
Pairing this dish with complementary foods can elevate it even more. Consider these ideas:
A simple fruit salad of watermelon, cantaloupe, and mint to echo the freshness of the herbs.
Toasted pita bread or grilled flatbreads for scooping up the salad.
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Assyrtiko to enhance the lemony, briny notes.
A light Greek yogurt dip with garlic and herbs for contrast.
These additions round out the meal and make it feel special—whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends.
Conclusion: A Salad That Checks All the Boxes
Orzo Salad with Shrimp and Feta is the kind of dish you’ll find yourself turning to again and again. It’s fast to prepare, wildly flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. It’s hearty enough for dinner, fresh enough for summer, and sophisticated enough to serve to guests.
From the lemony brightness to the creamy, salty tang of feta, and the succulence of perfectly broiled shrimp, every forkful is a celebration of balance and harmony. Whether you follow the recipe to a T or use it as a canvas for your culinary creativity, one thing’s for sure—this salad is bound to earn a permanent place in your recipe rotation.