Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
This stunning watermelon orzo salad is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Juicy watermelon pairs beautifully with tender orzo pasta and perfectly seasoned shrimp, while creamy feta adds richness and Fig Sticky Balsamic Pearls provide bursts of sweet-tart flavor in every bite. Light, refreshing, and elegant enough for entertaining, this dish comes together in just 20 minutes.
Recipe Creator: This delicious recipe was created by Tami W S, one of our wonderful customers! We absolutely love receiving recipes, photos, and videos from our community—it's inspiring to see what you can easily create at home with Sticky Balsamic products.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
1 cup (200g) orzo pasta, uncooked
1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cups (300g) watermelon, cut into bite-sized pieces
½ cup (75g) feta cheese, crumbled
¼ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Greek seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Orzo
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
While the orzo cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with Greek seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add shrimp to the hot skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Prepare the Watermelon
Cut the watermelon into bite-sized pieces, removing any seeds. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, gently toss together the cooked orzo, sautéed shrimp, and watermelon pieces. Mix until evenly combined.
Step 5: Plate and Garnish
Divide the salad among serving plates. Sprinkle generously with crumbled feta cheese and fresh cilantro if desired.
Step 6: Add the Fig Sticky Balsamic Pearls
Top each serving with a generous amount of Fig Sticky Balsamic Pearls. The pearls will burst with sweet fig and balsamic flavor, adding an elegant finishing touch to this gourmet dish.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately while the shrimp is still warm and the watermelon is cool and refreshing. Pair with a crisp white wine for the perfect summer meal!
Chef's Tips
Make It Ahead: You can cook the orzo and shrimp up to 2 hours ahead. Keep refrigerated separately, then assemble just before serving for the freshest taste.
Watermelon Selection: Choose seedless watermelon for easier preparation. Look for firm, sweet watermelon with deep red flesh.
Shrimp Substitutions: Can't find large shrimp? Medium shrimp work beautifully too—just adjust cooking time to 1-2 minutes per side.
Herb Variations: Not a fan of cilantro? Try fresh mint, basil, or parsley for different flavor profiles.
Serving Suggestions: This salad is perfect as a light main course or can be served as a side dish for 6-8 people at your next barbecue or dinner party.
Why Fig Sticky Balsamic Pearls?
The Fig Sticky Balsamic Pearls are the star of this dish! These pearls burst in your mouth, releasing flavor that perfectly complements the sweet watermelon, savory shrimp, and tangy feta.
The natural sweetness of fig balsamic pairs beautifully with watermelon while cutting through the richness of the feta and enhancing the Greek-seasoned shrimp. It's the perfect finishing touch that takes this dish from ordinary to extraordinary!
Nutritional Benefits
This salad isn't just delicious—it's nutritious too! Watermelon provides hydration and vitamins A and C, while shrimp offers lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Orzo gives you energy-sustaining carbohydrates, and feta adds calcium and probiotics. The Fig Sticky Balsamic Pearls are vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free, making this dish accessible for many dietary preferences.
Share Your Creation!
We'd love to see your version of this watermelon orzo salad! Tag us @stickybalsamic on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok and use #StickyBalsamic #ilovestickybalsamic to share your culinary creations. Your photos and videos inspire our community and show others just how easy it is to create gourmet meals at home.
Do you have a favorite recipe using Sticky Balsamic products? Send us your recipes, photos, and videos—we love featuring our customers' creativity!
More Recipe Ideas
Looking for more ways to use Fig Sticky Balsamic Pearls? Try them on:
Grilled peaches with marscapone
Charcuterie boards with aged cheese
Panna cotta or vanilla ice cream
Prosciutto-wrapped melon appetizers
Explore our full recipe collection at stickybalsamic.com for more inspiration!