This flavorful Greek Orzo Salad with shrimp and feta is perfect for summer! But really, it’s delicious any time of the year. Soft orzo pasta, salty feta cheese, crisp cucumber, pillowy shrimp, and more come together in just 20 minutes for an easy and refreshing light lunch or side dish! The leftovers are great, too, so it’s perfect for meal prep!
I was served this salad many years ago while staying at the Tabor House Inn in Vermont. It was so good I asked the inn’s owner, Jennifer Bright, for the recipe!
This recipe is adapted from one by Ina Garten.
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Shrimp Greek Salad with Orzo and Feta
Summer and pasta salad go so well together, and this recipe is no exception! Whether you’re eating it for lunch or making a big batch for a potluck or picnic, it’s sure to please.
This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes. Even quicker if you have pre-cooked orzo or shrimp! And because it’s good served cold, it would make a great meal-prep packed lunch.
The Greek-inspired flavors of dill, lemon, cucumber, and feta mingle for a fresh and tasty combination. I love the crunch of the cucumbers and the brightness of the lemon. So refreshing, especially on a warm day!
The shrimp adds protein and the orzo makes it more filling than a typical salad. If you don’t like shrimp, feel free to swap it out for chicken, tofu, chickpeas, or more veggies!
And feel free to serve the salad atop some greens for a little extra volume – it’d be especially good with arugula.
Check out these other delicious cold lunch ideas!
Recipe Ingredients
To make this orzo pasta salad recipe, you’ll need:
- shrimp (Peeled & deveined. Grilled chicken or another protein would be great here as well!)
- orzo (If you don’t have orzo on hand, any type of cooked pasta will work, or even rice!)
- lemon juice (fresh)
- olive oil
- salt & pepper
- cucumber
- dill (I recommend using fresh dill, because fresh herbs add more flavor than dried)
- parsley
- crumbled feta cheese (you can also use mozzarella here, but just keep in mind that it will have a milder flavor than feta)
As always, feel free to throw in more veggies, like cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or chopped bell pepper! I love a pasta salad packed with tons of vegetables. Diced red onions, minced garlic, or kalamata olives would also add delicious flavor. Or, add a drizzle of red wine vinegar!
You might also enjoy this shrimp salad with cilantro chimichurri sauce!
How to Make Orzo Salad
Start by boiling the orzo according to the package instructions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In the meantime, spread the shrimp on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast at 400 degrees F for about 5 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
(You can also cook your shrimp on a skillet if you prefer. Just make sure to cook it long enough that it turns pink and is no longer translucent.)
Next, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, and salt & pepper. Drizzle it over the warm orzo in a large bowl. Toss in the roasted shrimp, along with the chopped cucumber, dill, parsley, and feta.
Serve at room temperature. (Or, store in the fridge for later – it’s just as tasty served chilled!)
If you like your food spicy, sprinkle on some crushed red pepper for a little heat.
The full Greek orzo salad recipe is at the bottom of this post. I hope you love it as much as we do!
If you’re looking for more tasty meal prep lunch ideas, here’s some inspiration:
- Kale and Quinoa Salad with Soft Boiled Eggs
- Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
- Healthy Egg Salad with Avocado
- Quinoa Taco Salad
- Watermelon Chicken with Balsamic Glaze
- Healthy Tuna Salad with Avocado
- Sesame Shrimp and Watermelon Salad
Greek Orzo Pasta Salad with Feta & Shrimp
This delicious and flavorful Shrimp, Cucumber & Feta Orzo Salad is perfect for summer!
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds shrimp (frozen or fresh), peeled and deveined
- 3/4 pound orzo
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. pepper
- 1 cucumber, chopped
- 1 cup chopped fresh dill
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2.5 cups crumbled feta cheese (or 3/4 pound block of feta, diced)
Instructions:
- Cook orzo as directed on package.
- Roast shrimp on a sheet pan (spread on pan, drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper) at 400 for about 5 minutes; allow to cool.
- Whisk together lemon, olive oil, salt, and pepper; mix in with warm orzo. Add roasted shrimp, cucumber, dill, parsley, and feta; serve at room temperature as-is or atop some arugula.
