Ina Garten Orzo Salad With Shrimp

Ina Garten’s Orzo Salad with Shrimp is a fresh, Mediterranean-inspired dish that brings together tender orzo pasta, perfectly cooked shrimp, vibrant vegetables, and a lemony dressing. It’s the ideal make-ahead meal for summer gatherings, lunches, or elegant weeknight dinners.

With a blend of flavors and textures, this salad is light yet satisfying—everything you’d expect from the Barefoot Contessa’s signature style.

What Is Ina Garten’s Orzo Salad with Shrimp?

This salad combines al dente orzo pasta with roasted or sautéed shrimp, cucumbers, red onions, scallions, dill, and parsley. A lemony vinaigrette ties everything together, and optional feta cheese adds a creamy, salty contrast. It’s served cold or at room temperature, making it convenient for entertaining or meal prep.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten Smoked Salmon Quesadilla
• Ina Garten’s Pomegranate Salad
• Ina Garten’s Salmon With Lentils
• Ina Garten’s Italian Wedding Soup

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Orzo Salad with Shrimp

• Fresh and light – Perfect for warm weather
• Quick to prepare – Ready in under 40 minutes
• Protein-packed and satisfying – Shrimp and pasta make a complete meal
• Great for make-ahead – Flavors improve as it sits
• Ideal for picnics or potlucks – Easy to transport and serve
• Versatile – Can be customized with vegetables or herbs
• Balanced flavors – Lemon, herbs, shrimp, and orzo in harmony

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Orzo Salad with Shrimp

For the salad:

• ¾ pound orzo pasta
• ¾ pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for shrimp)
• Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup scallions, thinly sliced
• ½ cup cucumber, diced
• ¼ cup chopped fresh dill
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

For the lemon vinaigrette:

• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅓ cup good olive oil

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Step 1: Cook the orzo

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Let cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare and cook the shrimp

Toss shrimp with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Sauté in a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Alternatively, roast in a 400°F oven for 6–8 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Step 3: Make the lemon vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, zest, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Slowly whisk in olive oil until emulsified.

Step 4: Combine the ingredients

To the bowl of orzo, add cooked shrimp, red onion, scallions, cucumber, dill, and parsley. Pour in the vinaigrette and toss to combine.

Step 5: Finish and serve

Gently fold in feta cheese (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten’s Orzo Salad with Shrimp

• Grilled vegetables – Zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant
• Crusty bread or pita – Perfect for mopping up dressing
• Chilled white wine or rosé – Complements the lemon and herbs
• Greek yogurt or tzatziki on the side – Adds creaminess
• Fresh fruit like watermelon or grapes – Brightens the meal
• Olives or marinated artichokes – Mediterranean flair
• Simple tomato salad – Enhances freshness

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten’s Orzo Salad with Shrimp

• Don’t overcook the orzo – Keep it slightly firm
• Cook shrimp just until done – Prevents rubbery texture
• Let the salad rest before serving – Enhances flavor
• Use fresh herbs – Dried won’t give the same brightness
• Chop ingredients uniformly – For better texture and presentation
• Adjust lemon and seasoning to taste – A little more acid can brighten everything
• Serve slightly chilled or room temp – Both work beautifully

Creative Variations of Ina Garten’s Orzo Salad with Shrimp

• Add cherry tomatoes or bell peppers – For more color and crunch
• Swap shrimp for grilled chicken or salmon – Different protein twist
• Use arugula or spinach – Mixed in just before serving
• Toss in toasted pine nuts or almonds – Adds texture and nuttiness
• Drizzle with balsamic glaze – A hint of sweetness
• Include avocado chunks – For creaminess
• Top with grilled lemon slices – For garnish and extra flavor

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten’s Orzo Salad with Shrimp

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge – Best within 2 days
• Keep dressing separate if storing longer – Prevents sogginess
• Avoid freezing – Pasta and shrimp don’t hold up well
• Re-stir before serving leftovers – Redistribute dressing

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten’s Orzo Salad with Shrimp

This salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature.
If you prefer it slightly warm:

• Gently warm orzo only, then add shrimp and herbs
• Microwave in 15–20 second intervals if needed
• Add extra vinaigrette after reheating – To refresh flavor

Nutritional Value (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 620mg

A balanced, light meal full of protein, healthy fats, and bright flavor.

FAQs

Can I make Ina Garten’s orzo salad with shrimp ahead of time?

Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead. Prepare and chill it up to a day in advance. Just stir before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Can I serve orzo salad with shrimp warm?

While it’s traditionally served cold or at room temperature, you can serve it warm by gently heating the orzo and shrimp before combining with the dressing and herbs.

What type of shrimp should I use for orzo salad?

Medium to large peeled and deveined shrimp work best. Use fresh or thawed frozen shrimp, and cook just until opaque for the best texture.

Is orzo salad with shrimp a full meal?

Yes, it contains protein from the shrimp, carbohydrates from the pasta, and fiber and nutrients from the vegetables—making it a complete, satisfying meal.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Orzo Salad with Shrimp is everything you want in a warm-weather meal—fresh, flavorful, and fast to put together. With bright lemon, tender shrimp, and fresh herbs, it’s a go-to recipe for easy lunches, dinners, or entertaining. Keep it simple, make it ahead, and enjoy every forkful.

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