Description
A refreshing and creamy Shrimp Pasta Salad that combines tender cooked shrimp and pasta with crisp vegetables, tossed in a tangy lemon-dijon dressing enhanced with fresh herbs. Perfect for a light lunch or a crowd-pleasing side dish at gatherings.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
Main Salad
- 2 lbs cooked medium shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails removed)
- 1 pound pasta (cooked, drained, and cooled)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 2 celery stalks (chopped)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (thawed)
- 1/4 cup red onion (diced)
- 3 tablespoons fresh chopped dill
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, chopped fresh chives, kosher salt, and fresh ground pepper until well combined and smooth.
- Chop the shrimp: Cut the cooked medium shrimp into thirds to create bite-sized pieces for easy tossing and eating.
- Toss salad ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, cooked and cooled pasta, diced red bell pepper, chopped celery, thawed peas, and diced red onion. Gently fold in the prepared dressing, taking care not to break up the shrimp, until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Add fresh herbs and chill: Stir in the fresh chopped dill and parsley. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
- Serve: Before serving, sprinkle with additional fresh herbs if desired and provide lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Notes
- The shrimp should be cooked in advance; you can boil, grill, or sauté them according to your preference before starting the salad.
- Use pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or fusilli that hold dressing well.
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with additional Greek yogurt.
- Make the salad a few hours ahead to enhance flavor, but add fresh herbs right before serving for best aroma.
- Keep the salad chilled until serving to maintain freshness and food safety.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (mainly for pasta and shrimp if not pre-cooked)
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
