Shrimp and Orzo Salad Recipe

If you’re looking to eat healthier, you might have stayed away from your favorite chicken salad or shrimp salad recipes. Typically, these recipes are packed with mayo and calories, and are hard to fit into a weight loss plan.

Although this Shrimp and Orzo Salad recipe is more than 500 calories per serving, it’s filling thanks to the protein in the shrimp and all the veggies (bonus for low caloric density foods).

This recipe uses fat-free plain yogurt instead of mayo to lighten up the calories while still adding that creamy texture you’re after. 

The orzo adds some extra flavor and bulk, and with the low caloric density veggies, you’ll be full for hours. The best part? This recipe only takes 20 minutes to prepare. 

Prep time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4

Recipe Ingredients

• 1 package (16 ounces) orzo pasta
• 8 ounces peeled and deveined medium shrimp
• 1 cup diced, no-salt-added canned tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup peeled, seeded, and sliced cucumbers
• 1/2 cup chopped scallions
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fat-free plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Recipe Directions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the orzo and cook for 6 minutes. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 minutes longer, or until the shrimp turn pink and the orzo is al dente. Drain well and allow to cool slightly.

Step 2: Transfer the orzo and shrimp to a large salad bowl and add the tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, scallions, lemon rind and juice, oil, yogurt, cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine.

Calories per serving 

This Shrimp and Orzo Salad has 581 calories per serving.