This light Lemony Orzo Pasta Salad with Shrimp works well for lunch, dinner or meal prep for the week.
Serve up a pasta salad and I’ll be the first one in line. How about you guys?
I hope you’re a fan too, because today’s Lemony Orzo Pasta Salad with Shrimp is light, yet loaded with fabulous flavor and different textures and it’s all tossed in a deliciously lemony dressing. I just know you’re going to love it.
One of my favorite markets down at the Jersey Shore served a similar salad and I always ordered it, so I knew I’d have to create it at home and share it with you folks. This salad is perfect for lunch, dinner or for your weekly meal prep meals.
I’ve been working hard on sticking to a fitness routine this year and I’ve tried to lighten up my meals and make things a bit more healthy. And this is one salad that helps me feel satisfied, yet it’s on the healthier side.
It’s packed with all my favorite ingredients. Orzo, shrimp, English cucumber, Cotija cheese, a combination of green and Kalamata olives, scallions and fresh dill. The dressing is a simple combo of fresh lemon juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper.
This salad pops up on our menu all year long, but it’s a great option for all your upcoming spring and summer picnics or dinner parties. Enjoy!
A few other favorite pasta salads here at the BHK are my Gram’s Easy Macaroni Salad, my Chicken Strawberry Avocado Salad with Creamy Poppyseed Dressing and my Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad.
A Few Cook’s Notes for Lemony Orzo Pasta Salad with Shrimp Recipe:
You could use any small pasta shape for this salad. Mini shells, ditatlini or small elbows would work too. I just happen to love the orzo pasta.
Another delicious addition to this salad is some chopped roasted red pepper.
I love the Cotija cheese which is a crumbly, salty Mexican cheese, but you could also add feta.
Lemony Orzo Pasta Salad with Shrimp
Print Recipe Pin RecipeIngredients
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 lb. cooked shrimp
- 1 1/2 cups English cucumber, cut into 1/4 inch slices and then diced
- 1/2 cup mixture of pitted green and Kalamata olives, sliced in half
- 1/3 cup scallions, sliced thin
- 1/2 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped
Lemony Dressing
- 1 large lemon, juiced
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Add pasta to a large bowl with shrimp, cucumber, scallions, olives, Cotija cheese and chopped dill.
- Add all ingredients for the lemony dressing to a jar. Shake until well blended. Pour dressing over pasta salad ingredients. Toss until well combined. Serve immediately. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container.
I don’t think there’s anything better that this one !
Thanks so much Davorka!
You bet! I love pasta salad and orzo is one of my faves! Looks so fresh, tasty and perfect to go along with dinner (or by itself for lunch). Pinned! Happy weekend ahead :)
It’s one of my healthy favorites Dawn. Thanks so much for pinning. Hope you have a great weekend too!
Yes! I love pasta salads! This one looks fabulous and I actually think I could drink that dressing with a straw. Lemon is my favorite!
Lol! Hope you give it a go Kelsie! I’ll swap you for one of your cakes?!
I love pasta salads and orzo is one of my absolute favorites! Just perfect for spring!! Pinned!
Thanks Annie!
I love orzo and love it more in this fabulous pasta salad! I want a bowl of this in my fridge all the time :)
I bet you’d really enjoy it Jennifer! So light and refreshing.
I adore everything about this salad. The lemon, the orzo, the shrimp, the olives! Let me at it! The perfect spring salad, Mary Ann!!
Thanks Katherine! It’s one of my favorites too.
Every single ingredient in this salad calls my name, Mary Ann! What a fun idea to use fresh dill – not something I see often in pasta salads, but it pairs perfectly with shrimp! So excited to try this!
I love fresh dill Marissa. I’m always trying to add it to recipes!
The first time I made an orzo salad was last year and now it’s my go-to pasta salad. Love this one Mary Ann. The addition of shrimp is a nice touch!
Thanks Leanne! It’s my go-to pasta, especially for pasta salads.
I love salads like this! Gorgeous, fresh flavours – and the shrimp is such a welcome addition. Delicious!
Me too Alex. Thanks!
What a fantastic pasta salad and these fresh flavors are screaming spring time! yes, please!
Yes they are, aren’t they Kevin?! Coming soon, I hope!
Orzo is one pasta that I have a total weakness for. I love how you incorporated crunch and creamy in this salad – two components that make salads so special! And I love that lemony kick!
Thanks Traci! This is one of my healthier faves! Happy Friday!
Hands down I love everything about this dish (orzo, olives, lemon, dill = awesome). I’m just not a big fan of shrimp, while I’d eat the rest of it on its own no problem, are there any other proteins you think would go well with this dish?
You could add chicken or maybe even chick peas. Enjoy Matt!
Orzo pasta salad seems to be the trend this week! I totally love orzo and using it in a salad makes good sense. I love that you’ve added shrimp – perfect for lunch or dinner!
Yes Kathy! Orzo is one of my favorites. Not too heavy.
I’ll be pushing you out of the way for that first in line spot, Mare!! Gently of course. Lol ;) I loooove pasta salad, and this one has my mouth watering! Lemon and orzo is such a yummy combination and I love that you added shrimp! I could eat this daily and never get tired of it! Pinned!
Thanks Chey!
So perfect for this season!
Yum! Easy and delish recipe. I left out the shrimp but served with grillled chicken. Thank you!
You’re welcome! This would be great with chicken too! So happy you enjoyed it.