Print

Easy Zesty Shrimp Pasta Salad

easy zesty shrimp pasta salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A light, fresh, and zesty shrimp pasta salad perfect for summer feasts, combining tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a bright lemon-chili dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 g) pasta (rotini, fusilli, or bow tie) – cooked al dente
  • 1 pound (450 g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn (optional)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside in a large bowl.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp lightly with salt and pepper. Add shrimp to the pan in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes per side, until pink, opaque, and just cooked through. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. In a small bowl or mason jar, combine 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon honey, minced garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Whisk or shake vigorously until emulsified. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or honey for balance.
  4. Add cooked shrimp, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red onion, parsley, and basil to the bowl with pasta. Pour the dressing over everything.
  5. Gently toss all ingredients to coat evenly in the dressing. Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
  6. Before serving, toss once more. Taste and add extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture. Cook pasta al dente and rinse under cold water to prevent mushiness. Chill salad at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Add extra olive oil or lemon juice if salad feels dry after chilling.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp pasta salad, summer salad, zesty shrimp salad, easy pasta salad, seafood pasta salad, healthy summer recipe

Find it online: https://bouncybowl.com/easy-zesty-shrimp-pasta-salad-recipe-perfect-for-summer-feasts/