Are you craving a light, zesty meal that screams summer and sophistication? Look no further than this mouthwatering Shrimp and Pasta Salad that promises to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience! Imagine perfectly cooked shrimp nestled among al dente pasta, bursting cherry tomatoes, and crisp vegetables, all dressed in a tangy lemon-olive oil vinaigrette. This Italian-inspired dish is not just a recipe—it's a ticket to a Mediterranean flavor paradise that can be prepared in just 25 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta, cooked and cooled
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the pasta. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
- While the pasta is cooling, prepare the shrimp. In a skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked shrimp, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup of diced cucumber, and 1/4 cup of diced red bell pepper. Gently toss the ingredients together to combine.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and shrimp mixture. Toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This also helps to chill the salad before serving.
- Once chilled, give the salad a final toss before serving. Divide the shrimp and pasta salad into 4 servings and enjoy your refreshing Italian dish!
Tips
- For the most flavorful shrimp, ensure your skillet is hot before adding them and avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Rinse pasta with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients—especially ripe cherry tomatoes and fresh shrimp—for the best taste.
- Allow the salad to chill for at least 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving.
- If preparing in advance, keep the dressing separate and add just before serving to maintain the salad's crisp texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 180mg
