Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Trying to Hold Onto Summer?


Trying to hold onto summer? Yes, me too. I think it's time to let go though. I tried holding on by whipping up this quick salad last night. It's a roasted shrimp and tomato orzo salad with a wonderful cilantro lime vinaigrette (had cilantro and limes left over from Mexican Night...nothing goes to waste).

When I say this was simple...that's really what I mean. Let's cook.

Roasted Shrimp and Tomato Orzo Salad

- 1 1/2 cups of cooked orzo
-1 pint of cherry or grape tomatoes
-1 pound of shrimp, peeled & deveined
-1/4 cup of each, chopped carrots, sweet onion, peas, sweet peppers, and cilantro
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1/3 cup of cilantro lime vinaigrette (recipe below)
- salt and pepper

In a 400 degree oven, roast tomatoes until they begin to burst and release their juices (8-12 minutes). Season shrimp with salt and pepper and toss in olive oil. Roast in oven until just cooked. While still warm, toss roasted tomatoes and shrimp with cooked orzo, carrots, onions, peas, sweet peppers, cilantro, and vinaigrette. You can eat at room temperature or chilled.

*a squeeze of lime right before serving is a great flavor accompaniment.

Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette
1/4 cup of really good olive oil
2 tablespoons of red wine vinaigrette
the zest and juice of 1 lime
1 tablespoon of dijon mustard
1 tablspoon of finely chopped cilantro
1 clove of garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon of salt

Combine all ingredients well.

That's it. I told you it was simple!


Orzo...the new rice - lol.

















Tomatoes for roasting.
















Cilantro, red bell peppers, onions - nothing better!

















Shrimp! They've really been on sale a lot.

















The finished product!






41 comments:

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

Ooohhh, your salad looks wonderful! Really fantastic! I love orzo.

The weather here is not summery at all, so it's difficult to hold onto summer...

Cheers,

Rosa

Swedish Mike said...

Darius,

The Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette looks well good. I'll have to give it a go soon.

// Mike
http://www.freestylecookery.com

sonya said...

Mmmmmm. I have had orzo maybe twice in my life, but after looking at this, I am going to start stepping it up. I love shrimp & the combination you have here looks delicious. Thanks for sharing.

Alicia Foodycat said...

I'd leave out the carrots but that is the only thing I would change. Great work! I'm having a lot of trouble getting orzo at the moment. The supermarket has stopped stocking it.

The Short (dis)Order Cook said...

Although I don't eat shrimp, I love the flavor combo here and I love orzo. It's an inspriation for lunch!

I'm trying as hard as I can to hold on to summer. It's a beautiful day here in NY right now.

Cashana said...

A lurker for sure, but I had to say this dish looks great and I like its simplicity.

glamah16 said...

Looks great, but Im really ready for fall and all it offers. But this ismy type of salad.

Anonymous said...

Me too~ This is a perfect dish to use my leftover tomatoes from last night! Thanks.

Don said...

Jones, you are doing it. I mean, doing it. How much does a meal like that cost, ingredient wise. I can cook somewhat but if I tried to make a dish like that, chances are, it won't turn out as pictured.

Don said...

Also, I linked your cooking blog to my good read section. I should have been linked it. My bad.

Anonymous said...

You have another stalker on your hands.

I love food and love trying new recipes.

Nicole said...

You have me with the cilantro and lime! Looks fresh and tasty.

Nikki @ NikSnacks said...

Summer is gone, man. Gone. The wind is blowing, the leaves are falling...it makes me sad. I actually had to wear a jacket yesterday. There was frost on my car. :(

Homemade Heaven said...

Please let go of summer, us down South have had enough of winter and are dyeing for some sun shine!

OhioMom said...

Oh yummy! I am reluctant to let go of summer also :)

NKP said...

Wonderful salad to hold onto summer. So tasty!

Miss Snarky Pants said...

Me no likey shrimp but that looks hella good though!! :-)

Dee said...

Simple, but pretty perfect from over here!

giz said...

Orzo is so underrated don't you think. It makes such an incredible salad and really goes with everything.

There's an award on our blog for you

Thistlemoon said...

That looks delicious! I love orzo and peas and then all the rest of it is just one big bonus!

La Bella Cooks said...

Beautiful! You can't go wrong with orzo and shrimp together. I love anything with lime as well. Great dish, Darius.

Veronica said...

Yay! I think I found another new favorite blog! Good Stuff!

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh! That sounds so good! I really like the look of your blog! I'll definitely be dropping in to look around!

Gloria Baker said...

Absolutely yummy Darius and I love soo these little tomatoes!!! look wonderful! xxGloria

Babz Rawls Ivy said...

You sir are a culinary maestro! Bravo! I am a formally trained chef who no longer loves to cook. But I still enjoy amazing food!

I came racing over from LadyLee the Original Old Girl blog. Her post on your tequila chicken was a riot...the highest form of flattery!

I unfortunately cannot partake in your delectable dishes as I am morbidly allergic to milk proteins(milk, cream, butter, cheese).

Make something vegan or dairy free! I know the nerve... Hey I gotta ask! With your talent I am sure you could create something stunning!

Anyway Brother. I think you are a tremendous talent.

Bon Apetite Mon Ami!

AdventGeekGirl said...

Oh my.... that one is going on my list. (Just found you. Think your recipes are really great.)

Barbara GF said...

Nice looking dish, Darius — I love using orzo for salads. And really, it's hard to let go of summer!

The Short (dis)Order Cook said...

Just adding that your orzo recipe inspired me to create one of my own. Come to my blog and check it out.

Oh, and I might have something else on my blog that you will be interested in...

Prudy said...

Lovely autumn salad. I'm ready to dive in.

Anonymous said...

Thanks, D. I can get a lot of good ideas from this blog.

Dope Fiend said...

Will you marry me??



...please.....????

dessex said...

I can tell from the looks, that this had some nice flavor. Looks great.

Clumbsy Cookie said...

I just love that chicken crispy roll idea! I'll have to try that soon!

Marianna said...

haha i love your comment on "orzo- the new rice" :-) But orzo is good!! Your dish looks delish!

Jeanne said...

Wowee - where do you find the time?!? I *love* those crispy chicken rolls - they look too fabulous!

BTW, I will be in Chicago from Saturday - any restaurants I don't dare miss??

Charles said...

You're on another level with the cooking. Can I get on YOUR level please??

I need to step my game up...

Susan @ SGCC said...

That's an awesome looking salad! I love the dressing! I'd enjoy this in any season! ;)

Erin said...

This weekend I could still fight for summer weather, but after today I think I have to give in to fall. It's cold out there! I love orzo salads of all types... I feel like Orzo is a very summery ingredient.

Proud Italian Cook said...

Mmmmm, How did I miss this! Love anything with orzo. Nice combo Darius!

Anonymous said...

We LOVE orzo and you've done it up quite nicely here. Summer or no summer, this recipe is fabulous. Mmmm...okay...on to the next one. I'm on a roll.

Dining Alone said...

I added you to my links, I hope you don't mind!