Grilled Garlic Herb Shrimp with Tomato Basil Salad and Orzo: A Mediterranean-Inspired Summer Favorite

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When the days get longer and the weather warms up, our palates naturally begin to crave lighter, fresher meals—and this Grilled Garlic Herb Shrimp with Tomato Basil Salad and Orzo delivers just that. A perfectly balanced Mediterranean-style dish that’s brimming with flavor, color, and nutrients, it’s everything a summer meal should be: bright, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make.

Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or entertaining guests al fresco, this recipe is a standout. The bold garlic herb marinade brings out the best in succulent grilled shrimp, while the juicy tomato basil salad and buttery orzo complete the plate with texture and contrast. Best of all, it’s ready in under an hour—prep and cleanup included.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make this dish a recurring favorite in your warm-weather rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is designed for home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal fuss. If you love dishes that are vibrant, fresh, and elegant but don’t require a culinary degree to execute, this one’s for you.

  • Quick & Simple: No overly complicated steps or obscure ingredients.
  • Healthy & Balanced: High in lean protein, fiber, and fresh herbs.
  • Versatile: Can be easily adapted to suit gluten-free, low-carb, or vegetarian diets.
  • Meal-Prep Friendly: Each component can be made in advance and served warm or cold.

Whether you’re hosting a weekend BBQ or prepping lunches for the week, this recipe checks all the boxes.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s everything you’ll need for each component:

For the Garlic Herb Shrimp:

  • 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tomato Basil Salad:

  • 1½ cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped or torn
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Orzo:

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1½ tbsp olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional: grated parmesan for garnish

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

  • Large mixing bowls
  • Medium saucepan
  • Grill or grill pan
  • Skewers (if grilling shrimp)
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Garlic press or microplane (optional)
  • Colander

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Shrimp

In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, zest, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes. This not only enhances flavor but keeps the shrimp juicy when grilled.

Pro Tip: Don’t marinate for more than 30 minutes—acid from the lemon can start to “cook” the shrimp and alter the texture.

2. Cook the Orzo

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions (about 8–10 minutes). Drain and toss with olive oil, minced garlic, herbs, and a pinch of salt.

Shortcut: You can use leftover rice or couscous in place of orzo for a quicker prep.

3. Prepare the Tomato Basil Salad

Combine halved tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar in a bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes so the flavors meld and the tomatoes release their juices.

Tip: If your tomatoes aren’t super sweet, add a pinch of sugar to enhance their natural flavor.

4. Grill the Shrimp

Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread shrimp onto skewers or grill directly. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until shrimp are pink, opaque, and slightly charred.

Alternative: No grill? Sear them in a cast iron pan or broil them in the oven for similar results.

5. Assemble the Bowl

Spoon orzo into a shallow bowl or plate. Top with grilled shrimp and a generous side of the tomato basil salad. Sprinkle with parmesan if desired and serve immediately.

Storage Tips

This dish stores well and is perfect for meal prep. Here’s how:

  • Shrimp: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently or enjoy cold.
  • Orzo: Keeps well refrigerated for up to 5 days. Add a drizzle of olive oil before reheating.
  • Tomato Salad: Best fresh, but can be stored in the fridge for 1–2 days. Drain excess juice before serving leftovers.

Avoid freezing the assembled dish, but each component (except the salad) can be frozen individually for up to 1 month.

Flavor Swaps & Variations

  • Make it Low-Carb: Swap orzo for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
  • Go Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free orzo or a grain like quinoa.
  • Add Veggies: Grilled zucchini, roasted red peppers, or baby spinach make great additions.
  • Make It a Wrap: Serve everything in a warm pita or tortilla for a Mediterranean-style wrap.
  • Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a touch of harissa to the shrimp marinade.

Pairing Suggestions

Wine Pairing

  • White: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the shrimp and lemony herbs.
  • Rosé: Dry rosé balances the freshness of the tomato salad.

Non-Alcoholic Options

  • Sparkling water with lemon and mint
  • Iced herbal tea with basil or citrus

Side Dishes

  • Grilled asparagus or broccolini
  • Hummus and pita chips
  • Greek-style cucumber yogurt dip (tzatziki)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before marinating.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Each component can be prepped in advance and assembled right before serving.

What’s the best way to grill shrimp without skewers?
Use a grill basket or lay shrimp perpendicular to the grill grates to prevent them from falling through.

Is this dish kid-friendly?
Very! It’s mild, colorful, and fun to eat. You can even serve it deconstructed for picky eaters.

What herbs can I substitute for parsley or basil?
Try cilantro, mint, or dill depending on your taste preference.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Garlic Herb Shrimp with Tomato Basil Salad and Orzo is more than just a dish—it’s an experience. It’s about savoring peak seasonal produce, celebrating simplicity, and turning a few high-quality ingredients into something truly special. Perfect for busy weeknights or festive weekends, this recipe is proof that elegance and ease can go hand in hand.

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