Orzo with Shrimp and Veggies

Like Emily Dickinson I also dwell in possibility especially with this shrimp recipe.  

The shrimp can be fresh, frozen thawed or grilled, the veggies can change with the season and the dressing can be homemade or prepared. 

This recipe serves 4 but ingredients can easily be increased for more servings. To keep the recipe simple I used cooked frozen shrimp thawed but grilling the shrimp is a good option and would enhance the flavor. Use English sweet peas as they are smaller and sweeter. A splash of white wine and a squeeze of a lemon right before serving brightens up the meal. Some suggested prepared dressings include: Lite Greek Dressing or a White Balsamic Dressing. 
Ingredients:

• Large shrimp fully cooked, tails on, thawed if frozen 
• 1 cup dry orzo
• 3 cups total of veggies (I used snap peas, English peas, diced cherry tomatoes but asparagus would be a good alternative)
• Lemon
• 1 tsp. parsley flakes
• Prepared dressing or a homemade lemon dressing recipe below
• Splash white wine  

Directions:

• In a saucepan bring water to boil. Add in orzo reduce heat and cook for 7 minutes. Drain, and set aside in a bowl.  Wipe pan clean.  
• Bring water to boil in same saucepan and add in snap peas. Reduce heat and boil 2 minutes.  Add in frozen peas cook 30 seconds more. Drain both in colander packed with ice. 
• Add to the bowl with orzo, drained veggies, tomatoes, and parsley flakes.  Mix in dressing, add a splash of wine and a squeeze of lemon.   

White Balsamic Vinaigrette with Lemon

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
• ¼ cup good quality White Balsamic.
• 1 tsp. Italian Seasoning
• 1 TB. lemon juice (juice of 1/2 fresh lemon)
• 1 tsp. lemon zest.
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions: 

• All all ingredients to a screw type jar with a lid or a blender and mix well.