Last Updated on November 4, 2024 by Arif Chowdhury
Look, I get it. You’re probably thinking, “Oh great, another healthy recipe that’ll taste like cardboard.”
But hold onto your forks, because this Lemon Herb Shrimp with Orzo is about to change your mind. Trust me, I’ve had my fair share of bland “healthy” meals, but this one’s different.
According to a recent food trend report, Mediterranean-style dishes have seen a 47% increase in popularity among health-conscious foodies, and for good reason!
Why This Recipe Will Make Your Taste Buds (and Waistline) Happy
Let’s talk about why this dish is a total game-changer. First off, shrimp is practically a dieter’s best friend – packed with protein (a whopping 24 grams per 100-gram serving) while being surprisingly low in calories.
When you pair that with orzo and fresh veggies, you’re looking at a meal that’s both satisfying and figure-friendly.
The Mediterranean diet, which this recipe draws inspiration from, has been shown to support weight loss while reducing the risk of heart disease by up to 30%. Not too shabby for something that tastes this good!
What You’ll Need
For the Grilled Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
For the Orzo Salad:
- 1½ cups orzo pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ⅓ cup red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup fresh basil, torn
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Lemon Herb Dressing:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Let’s Get Cooking!
- Prep the Shrimp First things first – grab your shrimp and give them a good marinade. Mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss those beautiful little crescents in there and let them hang out for 15-20 minutes. Don’t go longer, or the acid from the lemon will start cooking them (and nobody wants that science experiment).
- Cook the Orzo While your shrimp is marinating, bring a pot of salted water to boil (make it as salty as the Mediterranean – okay, maybe not quite). Cook the orzo according to package instructions, but aim for al dente. Drain it and give it a quick rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process.
- Make the Dressing Whisk together all the dressing ingredients in a bowl until they’re best friends. Taste and adjust the seasonings – remember, you’re the boss here!
- Grill Those Shrimp Fire up your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat. Thread those marinated shrimp onto skewers if you’re using them, or just lay them directly on the grill. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they’re pink and slightly charred. Don’t overcook them – nobody likes rubber bands for dinner!
- Bring It All Together In a large bowl, toss the cooled orzo with your halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and about ¾ of the dressing. Add the grilled shrimp, crumbled feta, fresh basil, and parsley. Give it all a gentle toss with the remaining dressing.
Tips for Success
- Make sure your shrimp are completely thawed if using frozen
- Don’t skip the fresh herbs – they’re what makes this dish sing
- Feel free to add more veggies – cucumber, bell peppers, or spinach would be fantastic
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for meal prep
Storage and Meal Prep
This dish will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get better after a day as everything mingles together.
Just give it a quick drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving leftovers.
The Bottom Line
There you have it – a fresh, zesty, and totally satisfying meal that clocks in at around 400 calories per serving. It’s proof that eating healthy doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or spending hours in the kitchen.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week ahead or serving it up for a casual dinner party, this Lemon Herb Shrimp with Orzo is guaranteed to become a regular in your recipe rotation.
Not to mention, you’ll feel like you’re dining on a Mediterranean terrace without the airfare. Now that’s what I call a win-win!