Directions:
Preheat the Oven: Set it to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat up while you prepare the rest.
Cook the Orzo: Fill a large pot with water, toss in 1 tablespoon of salt and a splash of oil, and bring it to a boil. Add the orzo and let it simmer for 9 to 11 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s perfectly al dente. Drain the orzo and transfer it to a large bowl.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, 1/2 cup olive oil, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Pour this zesty mixture over the hot orzo and give it a good stir to coat.
Roast the Shrimp: On a sheet pan, drizzle the shrimp with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss them to coat, then spread them out in a single layer. Roast in the oven for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and juicy. Be careful not to overcook them!
Combine Everything: Add the roasted shrimp to the orzo, then mix in the scallions, dill, parsley, cucumber, and onion. Season with 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Toss everything together until well combined. Gently fold in the feta.
Let It Marinate: Allow the dish to sit at room temperature for 1 hour to let the flavors meld together. If you’re preparing it ahead of time, refrigerate overnight. Before serving, taste and adjust the seasonings if needed, and bring the salad back to room temperature.
Enjoy your refreshing, flavor-packed orzo salad with a delightful shrimp twist!
Here’s a fun and fresh take on your ingredient list:
- Kosher salt (for seasoning)
- Good olive oil (for drizzling and roasting)
- 3/4 pound orzo pasta (the rice-shaped pasta)
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 3 lemons)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 2 pounds shrimp (16 to 18 count, peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup minced scallions (both 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
- 3/4 pound good feta cheese (large diced)
Mix and match these vibrant ingredients to create a delicious, refreshing dish!
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