An Uncomplicated Life Blog: Easy Shrimp n' Orzo Salad

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Easy Shrimp n' Orzo Salad

Do you ever go through phases where meat just doesn't appeal to you? Dried out chicken grosses you out and the bloody juice running off a hamburger makes you cringe?

That's where I'm at right now.

So I came up with this yummy recipe. Note: I don't consider seafood "meat" although I'm not sure why. It's not meat; it's seafood.

Anyway, if you're looking to indulge your Meatless Monday self or dabble in some alternatives to legitimate farm-raised m e a t, give this a try. It doesn't disappoint!



Easy Shrimp n' Orzo Salad

- 1 package whole wheat orzo shaped pasta
- 1 pound fresh shrimp (frozen will work too, just make sure to only thaw it and NOT cook it further. I used frozen because hey! I'm in land-locked Dallas.)
- 1 shallot, peeled and sliced
- 1 package fresh basil
- 2/3 cup dry white wine
- 1 container cherry or grape tomatoes
- 3T butter (yes, the real stuff)
- 3T olive oil
salt and pepper



In a large stock pot, bring water to boil. Cook orzo per directions on the package. Drain pasta and set aside.

Melt the butter and the olive oil together in a skillet over low heat. Add the shallot. Cook on low, stirring consistently, until the shallot is translucent and begins to "melt" into the fat mixture. Add the white wine, and continue to cook until reduced by half. Salt and pepper the sauce to taste.

If using fresh shrimp,  add them to the white wine reduction sauce. Cook shrimp until they just turn pink; turn off the heat. Cooking them further will result in "rubbery" shrimp! If using frozen, place in a colander and run cold water over them until thawed. Toss them in the white wine reduction sauce after you've already turned the heat off the pan.



Julianne the basil and cut the tomatoes in half. Add to the pasta. Pour shrimp/white wine reduction sauce over the mixture; stir to blend all the ingredients. Adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Enjoy! This dish is especially great for the upcoming warm months since it's light, fresh tasting and can be served warm or cold!



10 comments:

  1. Yes I totally go through those phases all the time! Especially since I only recently jumped back on the meat train :) This looks delicious and like you said perfect for summer

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  2. I am so glad you posted this! As silly as this sounds, I've been wondering how to cook shrimp at home. I know, I know... but YAY! This looks like the perfect starter recipe for me.

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  3. This looks delicious! Yay for real butter! This would be so great as a take-to-work lunch. I bet the leftovers are really good...

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  4. I live in those phases, on a weekly basis. But seafood is always a favorite of mine. This looks fabulous!

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  5. hahaha yes I am in that phase right now! I love love love shrimp but it is so expensive here and it's not cost effective the way my husband eats.. so i eat vegetarian and he eats meat. lol

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  6. I actually have some orzo left over from another recipe so I'll 100% be making this!! xo, Biana - BlovedBoston

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  7. That looks tasty and super easy to make. Always on the lookout for new easy recipes!

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  8. This looks so good. And I know how you feel, sometimes I can't even think of eating meat! Thanks for sharing on Healthy Eating Habits!

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  9. This looks sooo good! Anything with orzo + shrimp and I'm sold!

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