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Zesty Shrimp Pasta Salad Recipe

Zesty Shrimp Pasta Salad Recipe

A refreshing and light pasta salad featuring succulent shrimp, tossed in a bright lemon-herb vinaigrette.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 410

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Salad
  • 8 oz Rotini or Fusilli pasta dry
  • 1 lb Shrimp peeled and deveined, cooked
  • 1 cup Cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup Cucumber diced
  • 1/2 cup Red onion finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup Fresh parsley chopped
For the Zesty Vinaigrette
  • 1/4 cup Olive oil extra virgin
  • 1/4 cup Fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove Garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp Dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper freshly ground

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain immediately and rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until well emulsified.
  3. If shrimp is not already cooked, quickly sauté or boil the shrimp until pink and opaque (about 2-3 minutes). If using pre-cooked shrimp, ensure it is chilled. Chop the large shrimp into bite-sized pieces.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked shrimp, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped red onion, and fresh parsley.
  5. Pour the zesty vinaigrette over the pasta mixture. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary (add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice for extra zest). Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

For an extra kick, add 1/4 cup of chopped banana peppers or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing. This salad is excellent made a few hours ahead of time.