Ingredients
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1.5 cups orzo pasta
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 English cucumber, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate for 15-20 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the orzo in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool completely.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 4: Add the cooled orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and mint to the bowl with the dressing. Toss well to combine and set aside.
Step 5: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes first).
Step 6: Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.
Step 7: Serve the grilled shrimp immediately over the chilled orzo salad. Garnish with extra herbs if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, add 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese to the salad. Ensure the grill is very hot before adding the shrimp to get a good char without overcooking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes & Savory Recipes
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 145mg