Barefoot Contessa Shrimp Orzo Salad

Barefoot Contessa Shrimp Orzo Salad from chef Ina Garten is one of the best and easiest-to-make orzo salad recipes ever. This Orzo Salad is made with baked shrimp, cooked orzo pasta, lemon, cucumber, and feta cheese. This Greek salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare and can serve about 6 people. Please feel free to leave your feedback about the recipe.

Shrimp Orzo Salad Ingredients

• 3/4 pound orzo pasta (rice-shaped pasta)
• 2 pounds (16 to 18 count) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3/4 pound good feta cheese, large diced
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (3 lemons)
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup minced scallions, white and green parts
• 1 cup chopped fresh dill
• 1 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1 hothouse cucumber, unpeeled, seeded, and medium-diced
• 1/2 cup small-diced red onion
• Kosher salt
• Good olive oil

How To Cook The Orzo For The Salad 

To cook the orzo for the salad, first, fill a large pot with water. Add a tablespoon of kosher salt and a splash of good olive oil. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add 3/4 pound of orzo pasta. Let it simmer for about 9 to 11 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s cooked al dente.

 After it’s cooked, drain the orzo and pour it into a large bowl. To season the orzo, whisk together 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1/2 cup of olive oil, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Pour this mixture over the hot pasta and stir well to ensure the orzo is well coated with the seasoning.

How To Season Shrimp For Orzo Salad 

Place the peeled shrimp in a large bowl. Add a generous amount of olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Mix well until the shrimp are completely coated with the seasoning. For the best flavor, let the shrimp rest for about 10 minutes to absorb the seasoning.

How To Bake The Shrimp For The Salad

After the shrimp have marinated, spread them out in a single layer on a sheet pan. Roast in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F for 5 to 6 minutes, until the shrimp are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp as they can become tough and lose their juicy flavor. Once cooked, add the shrimp to the orzo and proceed with the rest of the recipe.

How To Make Shrimp Orzo Salad

1. Add the roasted shrimp to the bowl of seasoned orzo.
2. Incorporate 1 cup of minced scallions, both white and green parts, into the mixture.
3. Add 1 cup of freshly chopped dill and 1 cup of chopped flat-leaf parsley. Stir these herbs into the orzo and shrimp mixture to distribute them evenly.
4. Dice 1 hothouse cucumber, ensuring to remove the seeds, and add it to the bowl.
5. Add 1/2 cup of small-diced red onion to the mix for a bit of a crunch and a punch of flavor.
6. Season the salad with an additional 2 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Toss the salad well to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.
7. Finally, add 3/4 pounds of large diced feta cheese. Stir carefully to avoid breaking up the cheese too much.
8. Let the salad sit at room temperature for about 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating a more cohesive and robust taste. If you’re not serving the salad immediately, you can refrigerate it. However, remember to bring it back to room temperature before serving and check if it needs any additional seasoning.

What To Serve With Shrimp Orzo Salad 

Shrimp Orzo Salad goes well with grilled chicken, seared salmon, or even a juicy steak. It can also be served as a side dish for Salmon Cakes, Baked chicken legs, or Baked Lobster Tails.

How Long Does Shrimp Orzo Salad Last In The Fridge

Shrimp Orzo Salad can last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. To store it correctly, place it in a glass container and cover it well with plastic wrap, then place it in the fridge.

Can I Freeze Shrimp Orzo Salad

Yes, Shrimp Orzo Salad freezes well and can last about 2 to 3 months in the freezer. To freeze the salad correctly, place it in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Press out as much air as possible before sealing the container or bag.

To thaw, simply remove it from the freezer and place it in the fridge overnight. It should be completely defrosted by the next morning.

Shrimp Orzo Salad Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 of 6 servings

• Calories: 565
• Total Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Dietary Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Protein: 47 g

Try More Recipes:

• Orzo Salad With Cucumber
• Pioneer Woman Orzo Salad
• Charlie Bird Salad
• Potato Salad
• Couscous Salad