Lemon Herb Shrimp and Feta Orzo Salad
Succulent seared shrimp and tender orzo tossed with crisp cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese in a bright lemon dressing. A quick pescatarian lunch loaded with protein to support steady energy.
Prep
5 min
Cook
9 min
Total
14 min
Makes
1 serving
Created together. Shared with you.
Made by Ashley + Lila
Ashley created this recipe with Lila and shared it with the perimenopause community.
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthSteadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
Comfortably satisfied
Fullness that has staying power
This meal is designed to feel substantial, so finishing it can feel like the meal is complete rather than the start of an evening of grazing.
Notice: fullness 2–3 hours later
More staying power
Make the next few hours easier
This meal is built to be more sustaining than a snack-sized stopgap, with enough substance to carry you into the next part of the day.
Notice: energy + fullness later
Clearer, simpler choices
Let the recipe do the thinking
Clear steps and a complete plate mean fewer decisions when focus is in short supply—and a more substantial meal once you are done.
Notice: focus + energy later
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
5 min
Cook
9 min
Total
14 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Large skillet · Colander · Mixing bowl
Time saver
Storage: If making ahead, add the fresh lemon juice right before serving to keep the cucumbers crisp.
Do these three things first
- 1Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 2Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
- 3Read through the steps once before you begin
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 5 steps complete
Next: Bring a small pot of salted water…
- 01
Bring a small pot of salted water…
Bring a small pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the orzo pasta and cook for 8 to 9 minutes, or until al dente. Drain in a colander, rinse under cool tap water for 15 seconds to stop the cooking, and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Look for: al dente
Tap card to mark done - 02
Heat the extra virgin olive oil in…
While the orzo cooks, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat (around 375°F / 190°C). Add the peeled shrimp and minced garlic clove. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn opaque pink and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Remove from heat.
Look for: the shrimp turn opaque pink and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C)
Tap card to mark done - 03
To the bowl with the cooked orzo
To the bowl with the cooked orzo, add the cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumber, crumbled feta cheese, and seared shrimp with its garlic pan juices.
Tap card to mark done - 04
Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the…
Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the mixture and sprinkle with dried oregano. Gently toss all ingredients together using a spoon until well combined and evenly coated.
Look for: well combined and evenly coated
Tap card to mark done - 05
Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for…
Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days for quick meal prep.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
Tap card to mark done
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