Garlic Shrimp & Orzo Salad

Total Time

Prep: 25 min. + chilling Cook: 10 min.

Makes

4 servings

Updated: Oct. 14, 2022
I enjoy cold pasta salads and rice salads, so I decided to make one with orzo, a rice-shaped pasta. Feel free to add other favorite veggies—like asparagus and green beans—and serve with rolls or pita bread.—Valonda Seward, Coarsegold, California
Garlic Shrimp & Orzo Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 pound uncooked large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 cup white wine
  • SALAD:
  • 3/4 cup uncooked orzo pasta
  • 1 medium tomato, seeded and chopped
  • 1 small green pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped peeled cucumber
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
  • 1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained, optional
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the first five ingredients; toss to coat. Refrigerate, covered, up to 30 minutes.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Using a slotted spoon, add shrimp; cook and stir 2 minutes. Add wine; cook and stir 1-2 minutes longer or until shrimp turn pink. Remove to a shallow dish; refrigerate, covered, until cold.
  3. Cook orzo according to package directions. Drain; rinse with cold water. Transfer to a large bowl. Add vegetables, cilantro, chilled shrimp and olives if desired. In a small bowl, whisk the remaining ingredients until blended. Drizzle over salad; toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving.