More and more, I see orzo pasta showing up on the Acadiana table of folks who didn’t even know it existed a few years ago. Cajun and Creole home cooks are a stubborn bunch who hold to Cajun recipe tradition more so than most cultures. But in my Orzo, Shrimp and Kale Salad recipe, this ingredient has made the grade for some easily explained reasons.
A colorful and flavorful orzo, shrimp and kale salad. (All photos credit: George Graham)
First, it’s easy to cook. Orzo cooks quickly (less than 10 minutes) in salted boiling water. And it’s versatile. It’s great in soups, or in a salad as I’ve done. Orzo is Italian for the word barley, but truth be told, it is not a grain at all. It is pasta and might explain its ability to pick up flavors and hold on to other ingredients so well.
In fact, in my recipe today for Orzo, Shrimp and Kale Salad, I am dressing this orzo salad with a combination of quality extra virgin olive oil (the good stuff) along with freshly squeezed lemon juice. The orzo picks up that combination of flavors with astonishing results. Adding fresh kale and Louisiana shrimp makes this orzo dish a light and healthy lunch.
Give this unique ingredient a try in this Orzo, Shrimp and Kale Salad, and you might be surprised. It just may find a place on your Acadiana table.
Orzo pasta and fresh ingredients for a simple salad alternative – Orzo, Shrimp and Kale Salad.
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 dozen fresh mushrooms, thinly slices
- Pinch of kosher salt
- Water, for boiling
- ½ cup table salt
- 1 bunch green asparagus spears
- Ice water, to stop cooking
- 2 dozen large raw Louisiana shrimp, peeled
- 1 (12-ounce) package orzo pasta
- 2 cups firmly packed chopped kale
- 1 cup firmly packed spinach leaves, stems removed
- 1 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
- 1 cup red cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup yellow cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup slivered almonds
- 2 fresh lemons
- Freshly ground black pepper
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Add the mushrooms and sauté until browned, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle lightly with salt and move to a platter. Cover and refrigerate.
- In a large pot filled halfway with water over high heat, add the salt. Bring to a boil and add the asparagus. Cook until just blanched, about 4 minutes. With a slotted spoon, remove the asparagus and plunge immediately into a bath of ice water. Once cooled, snap off the woody ends and cut the remaining spears into bite-sized pieces. Cover and refrigerate.
- In the same pot of salted water, bring to a boil and add the raw shrimp. Turn the fire off and cook until the shrimp begin to turn pink and the largest shrimp is done, about 5 minutes. With a slotted spoon, remove the shrimp and drain on paper towels. Let cool.
- In the same pot of salted water, add the package of orzo. Bring to a boil and cook to package directions. Once cooked, pour the orzo into a colander and let drain. Add the orzo to a large mixing bowl and coat lightly with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Cover the bowl and refrigerate.
- For assembly, remove the mixing bowl of orzo and add the asparagus. Add the kale, spinach, parsley, tomatoes, and almonds. Take one lemon and grate the zest into the salad mixture. Squeeze the lemon juice into the salad being careful to remove any seeds. With the other lemon, slice and remove each end. With a sharp knife, very thinly slice the lemon into rounds. Add the lemon rounds to the salad. Season the salad mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Toss to incorporate all ingredients, cover and refrigerate.
- For serving, toss the salad once again and portion the mixture onto salad plates. Add the shrimp to each plate. Make sure to include all of the key ingredients on each serving.
Orzo, Shrimp and Kale Salad–a fresh alternative in Cajun cooking.
YOUR SEAT AT THE TABLE: If you like this Cajun cooking story and Cajun recipe then accept my personal invitation to subscribe by entering your email at the bottom or top right of this page. It’s quick and painless. You will receive an email alert and be the first to see when new Cajun cooking stories and Cajun recipes are added.
Thanks, George.
Sounds delicious. What kind of camera rig are you using, that’s some tight photography.
Hey RL,
Thanks. See camera info on the “photography” page on Acadiana Table.
Got it, now I also have camera envy. RL
I am a big fan of This salad is so beautiful and as always, you brought it to life with your photos.
That looks like an incredibly delicious salad!
This recipe literally jumped off of the screen during my internet search for creole entree salads. I desired something healthful yet tasty, filling and satisfying. You see, I have 20 pounds to lose but don’t feel like I have to sacrifice an enjoyable meal in order to do so. This recipe fit the bill, it’s nutrient-dense, combines elements that allowed for versatility (I roasted the asparagus, substituted salmon for the shrimp and left-out the orzo), and is low in saturated fat. What I especially love about this salad is the sneaky, self-made “salad dressing”; the lemon zest, lemon juice AND lemon slices took away the bitter bite of raw kale and added a brilliantly complex flavor that married all of the vegetables together in such a way that each bite slapped with flavor! I’m craving to make this salad again…and again. It is a keeper! Thank you.
Hey Gina- I love your well-worded comment, and the addition of salmon is brilliant. All the best.
I’ve been with you for years! Love your recipe and stories and the photography.
Originally from N.O., my mother was Cajun from Lafourche Parish, and à wonderful cook. Dad was from N.O., and their family cooked more Creole style.
Reading your Acadiana Table is like having a big hug from home! I live in Olympia, WA. now. I miss LA seafoods and pickle meat for my beans! Thank you!
Sandra- Thanks for the heartfelt comment and very happy you are part of the Acadiana Table family. Be sure to connect with Louisiana seafood and smoked meat suppliers online for the best of Louisiana sent directly to your door. All the best.
Is the “chopped kale” in this recipe frozen & thawed or fresh? (I’m guessing fresh–but not sure, from the photos)
Many thanks for a reply.
Lane- Fresh, for sure!