* Olive oil
* 3/4 pound (2 Cups) orzo pasta
* 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (3 lemons)
* 1 tsp. lemon zest
* Freshly ground black pepper
* 1 - 2 lbs. shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 1 cup minced scallions
* 1/2 cup chopped dill (I often leave this out as Markus doesn't care for dill)
* 1 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
* 1 red bell pepper, diced
* 1 cucumber, unpeeled and diced
* 1/2 cup small-diced red onion
* 3/4 pound feta cheese, diced (crumbled is fine too)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Fill a large pot with water, add 1 tablespoon of salt and a splash of oil, and bring the water to a boil. Add the orzo and simmer for 9 to 11 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's cooked al dente. Drain and pour into a large bowl. Whisk together the lemon juice, 1/2 cup olive oil, 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Pour over the hot pasta and stir well.
Meanwhile, place the shrimp on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to combine and spread out in a single layer. Roast for 5 to 6 minutes, until the shrimp are cooked through. Don't overcook!
Add the shrimp to the orzo and then add the scallions, dill, parsley, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Toss well. Add the feta and stir carefully. Set aside at room temperature for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend, or refrigerate overnight (BEST flavor is achieved this way!) It is fabulous served either cooled or at room temperature.
