PARTNER POST: Dive into the 120 days of summer with Santa Rita wines that pair perfectly with the foods of the season, straight off the grill.
Keep things light and refreshing this summer with a grilled shrimp and orzo salad loaded with fresh spinach, tomatoes, and lemon.
There’s nothing I love more than the smell of outdoor BBQs and grills during the summer; the aroma is absolutely intoxicating.
This salad is something that I adapted from an orzo salad my mom makes frequently. She loads hers with fresh vegetables, feta, and a drizzle of olive oil and it’s so delicious, I could eat it as dinner alone. My version takes juicy, tender shrimp and grills them to perfection using a heavy sprinkle of Badia Complete Seasoning. It’s smoky from the cumin and has a nice blend of garlic and other seasonings that make it perfect in this salad. I put spinach, cherry tomatoes, green onions, and toss it in a lemony vinaigrette and then top it with the grilled shrimp. 
The best part about this grilled shrimp orzo salad is that it pairs perfectly with wine – and one of my favorite bottles lately is Santa Rita 120 Sauvignon Blanc. I love grilled foods that are a little lighter like this salad because they complement the wine so well. Neither is overpowering one another, they are just the perfect balance. Both their red and white wines are perfect for grilling this summer, and for more inspiration, be sure to check out the video recipe below from Santa Rita.
For more grilling inspiration with Santa Rita, check out this grilled Chilean chicken and pebre sauce.
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp and Orzo Salad
- Total Time: 19 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This vibrant salad combines tender grilled shrimp, orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and cherry tomatoes in a light lemon-olive oil dressing. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for a light lunch or summer potluck.
Ingredients
- 15-20 shrimp (peeled,de-veined,and patted dry)
- Complete seasoning
- Olive oil
- 1 cup (237ml) uncooked orzo,cooked according to the package and drained
- 2-3 cups (473-710ml) of fresh spinach
- 1 small container of cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 large green onion (thinly sliced)
- Juice from half a lemon
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook the orzo according to package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water to stop the cooking, and transfer to a large bowl. Drizzle with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with the complete seasoning. Toss with a drizzle of olive oil.
- Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the grates lightly with oil. Grill the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and lightly charred. Remove and set aside.
- Add the fresh spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced green onion to the bowl with the orzo. Squeeze in the lemon juice and add a generous drizzle of olive oil. Toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Arrange the grilled shrimp on top. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
Notes
For a more robust flavor, let the salad sit for a few minutes after adding the vinaigrette to allow the flavors to meld. This salad pairs beautifully with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Feel free to substitute the Badia Complete seasoning with your favorite seafood seasoning blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 500
- Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 150
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of seasoning should I use for the shrimp?
I recommend using Badia Complete Seasoning, which has a great blend of garlic, cumin, and other spices that enhance the flavor of the grilled shrimp.
Can I substitute the spinach with another green in the salad?
Yes, you can substitute spinach with arugula or kale for a different flavor profile and texture.
What kind of tomatoes work best for this salad?
Cherry tomatoes are ideal for this recipe as they add a burst of freshness and sweetness, but you can also use grape tomatoes if you prefer.
