Orzo with Grilled Shrimp, Summer Vegetables, and Pesto Vinaigrette

Health score
19%
Orzo with Grilled Shrimp, Summer Vegetables, and Pesto Vinaigrette
45 min.
6
491kcal

Suggestions


Indulge in the vibrant flavors of summer with this delightful Orzo with Grilled Shrimp, Summer Vegetables, and Pesto Vinaigrette. This refreshing dish captures the essence of sunny days, showcasing a medley of juicy heirloom tomatoes, tender zucchini, and sweet bell peppers, all perfectly grilled to enhance their natural sweetness.

The star of this recipe is undoubtedly the succulent large shrimp, marinated in a zesty pesto vinaigrette and grilled to perfection, offering a smoky char that pairs beautifully with the freshness of the vegetables. Each bite is a celebration of the season, with creamy mozzarella cheese and aromatic basil bringing richness and depth to the dish.

Perfect for a light lunch, an impressive side dish, or a satisfying main course, this orzo recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare—ready in just 45 minutes! Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply enjoying a meal with family, this dish is sure to impress and delight. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, allowing you to savor the flavors without the fuss. Don’t miss the chance to relish in this seasonal treasure that combines the best of fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors!

Ingredients

  • 0.5 cup basil leaves plus sprigs fresh thinly sliced for garnish
  • ounce mozzarella cheese fresh cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  •  heirloom tomatoes cored cut into 1/2-inch cubes ( 2 cups) (8 to 10 ounces total)
  • tablespoons juice of lime fresh
  • 6.5 tablespoons olive oil extra-virgin divided
  • 1.3 cups orzo pasta 
  • tablespoons purchased pesto 
  • tablespoons red wine vinegar divided
  • pound shrimp deveined uncooked peeled
  • medium summer squash cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices ( 9 ounces total)
  •  bell pepper red yellow quartered

Equipment

  • bowl
  • whisk
  • pot
  • grill

Directions

  1. Cook orzo in large pot of boiling salted wateruntil tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally.
  2. Drain. Rinse with cold water; drain well.
  3. Transfer to large bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon oil.
  4. Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat).
  5. Whisk 2 tablespoons oil and 2 tablespoons vinegar in small bowl.
  6. Brush zucchini and bell pepper with oil mixture, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  7. Whisk pesto, lime juice, remaining 3 1/2 tablespoons oil, and remaining 2 tablespoons vinegar in small bowl for pesto vinaigrette.
  8. Place shrimp in medium bowl.
  9. Add 2 tablespoons pesto vinaigrette; toss to coat.
  10. Grill zucchini and bell pepper until crisptender, about 3 minutes per side for zucchini and 4 minutes per side for bell pepper.
  11. Transfer to work surface.
  12. Sprinkle shrimp with salt and pepper; grill until charred and cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes per side.
  13. Place shrimp in bowl with orzo. Chop zucchini and bell pepper; add to bowl with orzo.
  14. Add remaining vinaigrette, tomatoes, sliced basil, and mozzarella; toss to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 hours ahead. Cover; chill.
  15. Garnish with basil sprigs and serve cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Calories491kcal
Protein24.06%
Fat50.15%
Carbs25.79%

Properties

Glycemic Index
34.83
Glycemic Load
11.13
Inflammation Score
-7
Nutrition Score
18.773043466651%

Flavonoids

Eriodictyol
0.11mg
Hesperetin
0.45mg
Naringenin
0.3mg
Apigenin
0.01mg
Luteolin
0.22mg
Kaempferol
0.04mg
Myricetin
0.1mg
Quercetin
0.47mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:491.22kcal
24.56%
Fat:27.54g
42.36%
Saturated Fat:7.76g
48.5%
Carbohydrates:31.86g
10.62%
Net Carbohydrates:29.23g
10.63%
Sugar:4.13g
4.58%
Cholesterol:152.18mg
50.73%
Sodium:404.13mg
17.57%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:29.72g
59.44%
Vitamin C:55.03mg
66.7%
Phosphorus:400.64mg
40.06%
Selenium:27.69µg
39.56%
Calcium:279.42mg
27.94%
Manganese:0.55mg
27.73%
Copper:0.48mg
24.24%
Vitamin K:23.56µg
22.44%
Vitamin A:1026.59IU
20.53%
Zinc:2.9mg
19.35%
Potassium:628.83mg
17.97%
Magnesium:71.76mg
17.94%
Vitamin E:2.62mg
17.46%
Vitamin B12:0.86µg
14.36%
Vitamin B2:0.23mg
13.81%
Vitamin B6:0.27mg
13.74%
Fiber:2.63g
10.51%
Folate:40.76µg
10.19%
Iron:1.66mg
9.25%
Vitamin B3:1.37mg
6.85%
Vitamin B1:0.1mg
6.36%
Vitamin B5:0.38mg
3.78%
Vitamin D:0.15µg
1.01%
Source:Epicurious