I thought it would be fun this summer to start a new series on my blog: Salad of the Week.
My first offering for Salad of the Week is Shrimp Orzo Salad, by Foolproof Living. Link is here.
My husband and I strive to eat healthily and have promised to incorporate one vegetarian meal a week, one main dish salad meal a week, and so on. Also, during the summer when temperatures soar, I am not keen to be in the kitchen at 5:00 PM working out what is for dinner. Making a main dish salad does involve some advance planning and prep work, but I'd rather do it earlier in the day than when the heat is at it's peak later! I made this recipe hours ahead of time, and the recipe says it will keep in the fridge for several days.
I made a couple of very minor changes, which I will explain. First of all, I cut the recipe in half, which the instructions say you can easily do. I used 3/4 pound of shrimp, and cut everything else in half accordingly. The second change I made was to substitute about 1/3 cup of Olive Garden Italian Salad Dressing for the huge amount of dressing called for in the recipe. I actually made the recipe's dressing, with olive oil and lemon juice, but found it way too oily tasting when I tasted it, so I ditched it.
When I used the Olive Garden Italian Dressing, I used a much smaller quantity than the recipe called for and was very glad I did that. I cannot stand a salad that is swimming in dressing.
The other ingredients in the salad are fresh herbs (Italian parsley and dill), English cucumber, a bit of diced red onion, scallions, and Feta cheese. Oh, and the shrimp.
The way you prepare the shrimp is very low-key and low-mess. You peel them and toss them in a bit of olive oil, salt and pepper and roast them on a sheet pan in the oven for 6 minutes. That could not be easier.
So, there are three things to do for this recipe:
1) Cook the orzo
2) Roast the shrimp
3) Chop up the fresh ingredients
Combine everything together and refrigerate until serving!
I hope you will give it a try and let me know how it turns out for you. Just remember not to use too much dressing, whatever you do.
5 Responses
I have shrimp orzo salad that is different but I love it! I try to have a few main salads a week and love trying new ones – especially in the summer! Have you ever made Greek Panzanella? It’s a twist on Italian Panzanella. Enjoy your cooking 👩🍳🔪🍴
Brilliant idea. After realizing I have been planning and cooking dinner for over 50 years, I decided to simplify with one dish/one pan dinners. I am discovering some delicious, easy recipes. I will definitely be following your salad recipes. Thank you.
Thank you, thank you for your new blog topic. I always struggle to cook dinner during the summer. I never could understand why anyone wants to eat in the heat of the day! Your tasty salad recipes will definitely help!
This one looks like a keeper! We love orzo and shrimp so….
I’m right there with Anita after planning/preparing dinner for over 50 years! Add in cooking during the summer & I’m hitting a wall lately, too! Salad recipes that are already proven will be a fun way to add some interest to dinners! Thanks for the first one! It sounds delicious! 🍤🍤