Grilled Shrimp Salad with Orzo, Cucumber, and Dill Dressing

Get ready to indulge in a delightful summer salad that combines the flavors of grilled shrimp, orzo pasta, crisp cucumber, and a tangy dill dressing. This Grilled Shrimp Salad with Orzo, Cucumber, and Dill Dressing is a refreshing and satisfying dish that celebrates the vibrant produce of the season. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish at your next barbecue, this salad will become a staple in your summer recipe collection. Join us as we guide you through the steps to create this easy and flavorful salad.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup cooked orzo pasta
• 1 English cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill

For the Dill Dressing

• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, chopped dill, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dill dressing. Set aside.
3. Thread the shrimp onto skewers and brush them with some of the dill dressing.
4. Place the shrimp skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they are pink and opaque.
5. Remove the shrimp from the skewers and set aside.
6. In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked orzo pasta, diced cucumber, and chopped fresh dill.
7. Drizzle the remaining dill dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
8. Add the grilled shrimp to the salad and gently mix to incorporate.
9. Serve the Grilled Shrimp Salad with Orzo, Cucumber, and Dill Dressing immediately for a refreshing and satisfying summer meal.

Tips

• If you prefer, you can substitute the orzo pasta with quinoa or couscous for a gluten-free option.
• Customize the salad by adding cherry tomatoes or sliced bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
• For added crunch, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds over the salad.
• If you don't have a grill, you can cook the shrimp on a stovetop grill pan or sauté them in a skillet.
• Adjust the amount of dill according to your taste preferences.
• This salad can be made ahead of time, but wait to add the dressing until just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and crisp.

Conclusion

Indulge in the flavors of summer with our Grilled Shrimp Salad with Orzo, Cucumber, and Dill Dressing. This refreshing salad brings together juicy grilled shrimp, tender orzo pasta, crisp cucumber, and a tangy dill dressing for a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you're enjoying it as a light lunch or serving it as a side dish at your next gathering, this salad is sure to impress.