We were so happy to see this vegan gluten free shrimp orzo salad recipe come together. In my prior seafood eating days this classic Ina Garten’s recipe was a summer go-to. This salad was one of the last hold out for me going completely gluten-free, I loved it that much. I’m so happy to have found two new ingredients Vegan King Prawn and Banza rice. Now we are able to re-introduce this back into our summer rotation.
VEGAN SHRIMP
So what exactly is vegan shrimp? The main ingredients Konjac (pronounced kon-jack), Curdlan Gum, Tapioca Starch, Potato Starch, Spices and paprika for color. We purchased a brand called Vegan King Prawn. From one of our favorite Atlanta vegan restaurant Loving Hut. Konjac is the shorten name of an Asian plant that produces an edible tuber. Other common names for it are devils tongue, voodoo lily and elephant yam. Shirataki noodles are also produce from this plant. In is natural state it has a mild flavor and just like tofu; Konjac adsorbs other flavors well like mineral-rich seaweed for a tasty seafood option.
GLUTEN-FREE ORZO PASTA
As any one who’s gluten free knows its been a battle getting good gluten-free pasta that doesn’t instantly clump together and or turn into mush. However, in the last few years, we have really been getting some great products. So much so that I hardly miss it anymore. But as we all know everyone has those last few gluten free items they are looking for like brioche, ravioli and orzo for me and now I can happily check off one of those things on my list, orzo. Banza is a plant based, technically rice made of chickpeas, potato starch and xanthan gum. And as a bonus this pasta has 11g of protein per serving. The shape, taste and texture are a great subs for any recipe that calls for Orzo. We really recommend it.
I would be remiss to not talk about the real stars of this vegan gluten free shrimp orzo salad dish. Fresh dill and fresh lemons. In this case fresh makes all the difference in the world, yes seriously. No more words needed.
Roasted Shrimp Orzo Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 box Gluten Free Orzo pasta
- 1 package Vegan Shrimp
- 3 Lemons – squeezed
- ½ cup Extra-Virgin Olive oil
- ¾ cup Dill – fresh
- ¾ cup Parsley – fresh
- 1 Cucumber – diced
- ½ medium Red onion
- Vegan Feta cheese – crumbled
Instructions
- Preheat over to 400 degrees
- Cook orzo according to package instructions
- Place vegan shrimp on sheet pan, drizzle with olive and salt. Roast for 8 minutes.
- In a medium size cup blend together olive oil, lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste and pour over cooked orzo. Add shrimp
- Chop dill, parsley, cucumber and onions. Toss well and add to orzo mixture.
- Let salad sit for up to one hour to at room temperature to allow flavors to blend or refrigerate overnight. Serve at room temperature
If you give this gluten free vegan pasta salad a try, let us know! Leave a comment, or take a picture and tag and us on Instagram at #thevgnway.
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The Vgn Way
