Name: Lemon Dijon Shrimp Orzo Bowl with Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; Juice of 1 lemon; 1 tsp lemon zest; 2 garlic cloves, minced; ½ tsp paprika; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled; ½ cup full-fat Greek yogurt; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp lemon zest; 1 clove roasted garlic; 1–2 tbsp water (to thin for drizzling); 2 cups cooked orzo pasta; 1 cup baby spinach or arugula; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ½ cup cucumber, diced; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that feels fresh, vibrant, and bursting with bright flavors, the Lemon Dijon Shrimp Orzo Bowl with Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce is exactly what you need. This bowl is a stunning harmony of tender shrimp kissed with tangy Dijon and lemon notes, nestled atop fluffy orzo pasta and crisp veggies, all brought together by a luxuriously creamy Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce. It’s the perfect meal when you want something light yet satisfyingly packed with bold, Mediterranean-inspired tastes that feel homemade and simply unforgettable.

Lemon Dijon Shrimp Orzo Bowl with Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, building layers of freshness, tang, and creaminess. These simple but essential components come together to create a colorful bowl full of texture and flavor that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Large shrimp (1 lb / 450g): Peeled and deveined shrimp offer a tender, juicy protein base that soaks up the marinade beautifully.
Olive oil (3 tbsp total): Used in both shrimp and sauce, it adds richness and smoothness to every bite.
Dijon mustard (1 tbsp): Brings subtle heat and tang, making the shrimp incredibly flavorful.
Lemon juice and zest (from 2 lemons): The heart of this dish, brightening both shrimp and sauce with fresh citrus zing.
Garlic (3 cloves total): Adds an aromatic depth that rounds out the flavors.
Paprika (½ tsp): Delivers a gentle smoky warmth to the shrimp.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors harmoniously.
Feta cheese (½ cup, crumbled): Crumbly and tangy, it creates a creamy, luscious sauce when blended with yogurt.
Full-fat Greek yogurt (½ cup): Provides richness and creaminess while keeping the sauce fresh.
Roasted garlic (1 clove): Adds mellow sweetness to the sauce’s complex profile.
Water (1–2 tbsp): Used to thin the sauce to a perfect drizzling consistency.
Cooked orzo pasta (2 cups): The perfect soft and slightly chewy grain base that soaks up every drop of flavor.
Baby spinach or arugula (1 cup): Fresh greens add beautiful color and a bit of peppery bite.
Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Burst of juiciness and sweetness that lightens each mouthful.
Cucumber (½ cup, diced): Crisp texture and refreshing coolness to contrast the warm shrimp.
Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, chopped): Bright herbal note to finish the dish beautifully.

How to Make Lemon Dijon Shrimp Orzo Bowl with Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Dijon Shrimp

Start by mixing olive oil, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl to make an aromatic marinade. Toss your shrimp in this mixture and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This quick marinating step infuses the shrimp with a lively burst of citrusy, tangy flavor that’s utterly irresistible.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Set a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the marinated shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn beautifully pink and opaque. This quick cooking keeps the shrimp tender while locking in all their zesty goodness. Once cooked, remove from heat and keep warm.

Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce

In a blender or food processor, combine feta cheese, full-fat Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice and zest, and the roasted garlic clove. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add water a little at a time to thin the sauce until it reaches a silky drizzling consistency. This sauce is the showstopper—creamy, tangy, and full of fresh lemon flavor with the salty tang of feta tying it all together.

Step 4: Assemble the Orzo Bowl

Combine your cooked orzo with baby spinach or arugula, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and chopped fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This bed of bright, fresh ingredients creates a wonderful base for the shrimp and sauce.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Top the veggie-laden orzo with the sizzling lemon Dijon shrimp and drizzle generously with the lemon feta yogurt sauce. Garnish with extra parsley or a lemon wedge if you fancy. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm shrimp and cool, tangy sauce in every bite.

How to Serve Lemon Dijon Shrimp Orzo Bowl with Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives add a lovely burst of green and fresh aroma. A lemon wedge on the side isn’t just pretty; it invites anyone to add an extra squeeze of bright citrus. Crumbled feta sprinkled on top enhances the creamy sauce’s tang and flaunts a Mediterranean vibe.

Side Dishes

This bowl stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to create a full meal, consider serving warm pita bread or crusty baguette slices for dipping into the luscious sauce. A light, crisp Greek salad or roasted vegetables with herbs would complement the flavors perfectly without overpowering the bowl.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Lemon Dijon Shrimp Orzo Bowl with Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce in pretty shallow bowls for an inviting presentation, highlighting its vibrant colors. For a fun twist, lay the shrimp and orzo over a bed of grilled zucchini ribbons or baby kale. You can also garnish with edible flowers for a stunning visual effect at your next dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Lemon Dijon Shrimp Orzo Bowl with Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the shrimp and orzo mixture separate from the yogurt sauce to maintain freshness and texture before serving again.

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to freeze it, store the cooked shrimp and orzo separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. The yogurt sauce does not freeze well, so prepare fresh sauce after thawing.

Reheating

When reheating the shrimp and orzo, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave with a splash of water to prevent drying out. Add the chilled Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce just before serving to retain its creamy freshness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating, so they absorb all those wonderful flavors well and cook evenly.

What can I substitute for orzo pasta?

Quinoa, couscous, or even rice work nicely as alternatives depending on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.

Is the Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce spicy?

Nope! It’s tangy and creamy with bright citrus notes and the saltiness of feta, but it’s not spicy, making it appealing to all palates.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can swap out the shrimp for grilled halloumi or roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian option that still pairs fantastically with the lemon feta yogurt sauce.

How do I make the sauce thinner or thicker?

Add water a little at a time to thin the sauce to your desired consistency, or add extra Greek yogurt or feta to thicken it up.

Final Thoughts

The Lemon Dijon Shrimp Orzo Bowl with Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce is a refreshing, flavorful dish that’s simple to prepare yet impressive enough for guests or a special weeknight treat. Its perfect balance of zesty shrimp, fresh veggies, and creamy sauce creates a bowl you’ll want to make again and again. Go ahead, grab your ingredients, and dive into this vibrant Mediterranean-inspired delight—your taste buds will thank you!