Easy Shrimp Orzo Salad

Fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavour—this Shrimp Orzo Salad is a summer stunner. Tender orzo tossed with crisp cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, and slivers of red onion forms the perfect base for buttery prawns, pan-fried with garlic, parsley, paprika and a hint of chilli. A drizzle of honey, a squeeze of lime, and a generous grating of Parmesan tie it all together with a sweet-savoury kick.

It’s light but satisfying, ideal served warm or cold, and perfect for long lunches or summer time dinners. A simple way to elevate midweek cooking—this one’s got colour, crunch, and just the right amount of heat.

Calories in Shrimp Orzo Salad

This recipe serves 2 and is 478 calories per serving

If you're looking for more recipes within the same calorie range, you'll find an abundance of options in my dedicated collection of 400+ calorie recipes.

If you're following a calorie-controlled diet or a healthy eating plan, it's important to calculate your daily calorie intake using a reliable calorie calculator. Please note that the calorie counts provided are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. Personalizing your calculations is essential to meet your individual needs. By using a calorie calculator, you can make informed choices and stay on track with your dietary goals.

See the recipe card for full nutritional estimation.

Ingredients Notes

To make this recipe you will need the following ingredients:

• Frozen shelled, tail-off large shrimp – Convenient and quick to cook, these are perfect for getting dinner on the table fast. Just make sure they’re fully defrosted and patted dry before cooking so they sear properly in the pan and don’t release too much water.
• Butter – Adds richness and helps carry the flavours of the garlic, paprika, and parsley straight into the prawns.
• Garlic – Finely chopped or grated garlic infuses the butter and prawns with bold, savoury depth.avour.
• Fresh parsley – Brings freshness and colour to balance out the rich, buttery prawns.
• Paprika – Use sweet paprika for mellow warmth that gives the prawns that gorgeous golden hue.
• Chilli flakes – Just enough to add a hint of spice.
• Lime juice – Bright and zesty, this cuts through the richness and lifts the whole salad. Always use fresh lime for the best flavour.
• Honey – A subtle sweetness that plays beautifully with the chilli and lime, creating a lovely balance that coats the prawns in a glossy finish.
• Olive oil spray – use for the orzo to lightly toast before cooking.
• Orzo – A small, rice-shaped pasta that’s ideal for salads. It soaks up the flavours without going soggy and adds a satisfying bite. Cooking it in stock adds even more flavour to the base of the dish.
• Stock (for cooking the orzo) – Use vegetable or chicken stock to cook the orzo for added depth. It seasons the pasta from the inside out and makes the whole salad more savoury and satisfying.
• Roasted Red Pepper - jarred, sliced up is a perfect addition to any salad
• Baby cucumbers – Smaller, sweeter, and crunchier than standard cucumbers. They hold up beautifully in salads without turning watery and add a satisfying snap to each bite. Slice into thin rounds or half-moons.
• Cherry tomatoes – Sweet, juicy bursts that add freshness and colour. Halve them so their juices mingle into the orzo and brighten the overall flavour.
• Red onion – Thinly sliced for a sharp edge that cuts through the richness. You can soak it in a little lime juice to mellow it out if you prefer something less punchy.
• Parmesan – Adds savoury depth and a salty bite that ties everything together.
• Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning, bringing out the natural flavours and ensuring the dish is well-balanced.

Once you've gathered all the ingredients and prepared them accordingly, you're all set to create this easy and delightful recipe.

See the recipe card for specific quantities and instructions

Variations and Substitutes

Feel free to get creative with this recipe by swapping ingredients based on what you have on hand or to suit different tastes. Here are some easy variations and substitutes to try:

• Swap the prawns – Chicken breast or thigh strips work beautifully if you’re after something heartier. Cook them the same way—pan-fried in butter with garlic, paprika, and chilli flakes until golden and cooked through. Leftover roast chicken also makes a handy shortcut.
• Change the base – Orzo keeps things light and summery, but you can easily switch it out. Try cooked rice, couscous, or even small pasta shapes like fusilli or ditalini. Just keep the texture light so it doesn’t overpower the prawns.
• Go grain-free – For a low-carb option, omit the orzo and add additional salad items. Serve the warm prawns straight over for something fresh and lighter or you could even stir in some cooked cauliflower rice.
• Add extra veg – This salad is easy to bulk out with extras. Toss in some grilled courgette, avocado slices, or blanched green beans. A handful of rocket or baby spinach stirred through while the orzo’s still warm also works well.
• Use a different cheese – If you want to swap the Parmesan, try crumbled feta for a creamy, tangy hit. A little goat cheese would add a lovely sharpness too.
• Make it dairy-free – Skip the Parmesan and butter or use a dairy-free alternative.
• Turn up the heat – Like things spicier? Add an extra pinch of chilli flakes or a finely chopped red chilli when frying the garlic. You can also drizzle over a little chilli oil before serving.
• Switch the herbs – If you’re out of parsley, fresh coriander or basil brings a different twist. Mint can also work surprisingly well, especially in warmer months.

Storing Leftovers & Lunch On The Go

This Shrimp Orzo Salad is perfect for enjoying as leftovers or prepping for a convenient lunch. If you're serving just one, you will have a bit leftover—here’s how to keep it fresh:

Storing leftovers – Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. Keep the prawns, orzo, and vegetables together, but it's best to store the Parmesan separately to prevent it from becoming soggy. You can also season with salt and pepper just before serving to keep the flavour fresh.

For lunch on the go – To keep everything fresh and crisp, it’s a good idea to separate the ingredients. Pack the prawns and orzo in one container, the fresh veggies (cucumber, tomatoes, red onion) in another, and the Parmesan in a small tub. When you're ready to eat, simply mix everything together, season with salt and pepper and a little squeeze of fresh lime juice, and enjoy!

Reheating – If you prefer to enjoy the prawns and orzo warm, you can easily reheat them. Simply microwave them in short bursts (30-45 seconds) until heated through, stirring in between. If you’d like to reheat them on the stovetop, place the prawns and orzo in a pan over low heat with a little butter or olive oil, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Be mindful not to overcook the prawns, as they can become tough.

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