Warm shrimp and Orzo Salad

This is one of my favorite salads in the world. It is so quick and easy and its even good for leftovers. This will definitely be a crowd favorite!

Ingredients:

2 lemons zested and juiced

3 cloves of garlic grated

1/2 cup EVOO

salt & pepper

1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

1 lb medium shrimp peeled and deveined

1 cup grape tomatoes (cut in half)

1/2 red onion diced

2 green onions diced

1 lb orzo pasta

1 tbsp fresh parsley

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it well, once the water comes to a boil add the pasta and cook till al dente. Drain pasta and save 1/4 cup of pasta water.

Step 2: To make the marinade for the shrimp, add the zest and juice from both lemons, the grated garlic, 1/2 cup of EVOO, salt and pepper, and the crushed red pepper flakes to a bowl and mix well. Add shrimp to marinade and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 3: Get. out a large bowl and put the grape tomatoes, red onions, and green onions in the bowl and set to the side.

Step 4: In a large pan on medium high heat, melt butter and add shrimp and marinade to the pan with the leftover pasta water. saute shrimp till pink and the cut off heat.

Step 5: Add orzo, shrimp mixture, and Parmesan cheese to the salad bowl with the tomatoes and onions. Mix together and season with salt and pepper.

Serve warm