When the sun is shining and the temperatures rise, it’s the perfect time to enjoy light and refreshing meals that won’t weigh you down. Cold shrimp pasta salad is a delightful dish that’s both satisfying and flavorful. Packed with fresh ingredients and a zesty dressing, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite for picnics, barbecues, or a simple weeknight dinner. Let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe for Cold Shrimp Pasta Salad.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 8 ounces fusilli pasta
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 English cucumber, diced
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
– 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
For the dressing:
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the fusilli pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, black olives, and feta cheese. Gently toss to combine all the ingredients.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
4. Pour the dressing over the shrimp and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together until well coated with the dressing.
5. Add the cooked and cooled fusilli pasta to the bowl with the shrimp and vegetables. Gently toss all the ingredients together until the pasta is evenly distributed.
6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. When ready to serve, give the salad a final toss to recombine the ingredients. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. Serve the Cold Shrimp Pasta Salad chilled, garnished with additional parsley and feta cheese, if desired. Enjoy this refreshing and flavorful dish with family and friends.
The Cold Shrimp Pasta Salad is a versatile recipe that can be customized based on your preferences. Feel free to add in more vegetables like bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or even some fresh herbs like basil or mint for an extra burst of flavor. You can also swap the shrimp for grilled chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Make a batch of this delicious salad ahead of time for a quick and easy lunch throughout the week or impress your guests at your next gathering with this bright and colorful dish. With its vibrant colors and fresh flavors, this Cold Shrimp Pasta Salad is a summer staple that will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection.
