Get Our Newsletter

Authentic Recipe: Florida Shrimp Orzo Salad

Last Updated on March 27, 2024

Florida Shrimp Orzo Salad is the perfect summer salad – light, tasty, and perfect for a picnic dinner or lunch. The salad incorporates many fresh Florida ingredients, but the main star is the Key West Gulf shrimp, one of our favorites. This is another fantastic recipe that comes from the creative chef, Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa.

Yield: 4

Florida Shrimp Orzo Salad

Photo of shrimp orzo
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Additional Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • Kosher salt
  • Good olive oil
  • 3/4 pound orzo pasta (rice-shaped pasta)
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (3 lemons)
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 pounds (16 to 18 count) Florida Key West Gulf shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup minced scallions, 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 (optional)
  • 3/4 pound good feta cheese diced

Instructions

    1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

    2. Fill a large pot with water, add 1 tablespoon of salt and a splash of oil, and bring the water to a boil.

    3. Add the orzo and simmer for 9 to 11 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s cooked al dente.

    4. Drain and pour into a large bowl.

    5. Whisk together the lemon juice, 1/2 cup olive oil, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Pour over the hot pasta and stir well.

    6. Meanwhile, place the shrimp on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to combine and spread out in a single layer.

    7. Roast for 5 to 6 minutes, until the shrimp are cooked through. Don’t overcook!

    8. Add the shrimp to the orzo and then add the scallions, dill, parsley, cucumber, onion, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Toss well.

    9. Add the feta and stir carefully.

    10. Set aside at room temperature for 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend, or refrigerate overnight.

    11. If refrigerated, taste again for seasonings and bring back to room temperature before serving.

Check out some other fantastic recipes using fresh Florida seafood:

Leave a Comment

Skip to Recipe