Description
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish combining perfectly cooked shrimp, al dente pasta, fresh herbs, and a tangy natural dressing. Bursting with lemon and garlic flavors, this salad is light, filling, and easy to prepare, ideal for summer lunches, dinners, or anytime you desire a refreshing and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Pasta
- Fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp, 12 ounces
- Fusilli or rotini pasta, 8 ounces
Dressing (natural)
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice, 3 tablespoons
- Lemon zest, 1 teaspoon
- Minced garlic, 3 cloves (divided)
- Apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons
- Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), 1 tablespoon
- Olive oil, 1/4 cup
- Salt, 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
Vegetables and Herbs
- Cherry tomatoes, halved, 1 cup
- Red onion, thinly sliced, 1/4 cup
- Fresh parsley, chopped, 2 tablespoons
- Fresh dill, chopped, 1 tablespoon
- Fresh basil, chopped, 1 tablespoon
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil and cook fusilli or rotini pasta until just al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes depending on the type. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to halt cooking and cool it down for optimal salad texture.
- Prepare the Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, heat a small amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 clove minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Add shrimp, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until pink and tender. Remove shrimp from heat and set aside to cool.
- Make the Dressing (natural): In a small bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, 2 cloves minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), olive oil, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning as needed to create a balanced, tangy dressing (natural).
- Combine Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked shrimp, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped fresh herbs (parsley, dill, basil). Pour the dressing (natural) over and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with extra chopped parsley or basil if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the most vibrant and authentic flavor.
- Do not overcook shrimp; cook only until they turn opaque for tenderness and juiciness.
- Chilling the salad before serving enhances the melding of flavors.
- Customize the fresh herbs based on preference or availability.
- Serve with crusty bread like baguette or sourdough for a complete meal.
- The salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Flavors deepen overnight.
- Freezing is not recommended due to changes in pasta texture and shrimp quality.
- Gently reheat shrimp and pasta in a skillet with a splash of olive oil if serving warm, then toss with fresh ingredients and dressing (natural).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing and boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
Keywords: Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Salad, Shrimp Salad, Lemon Dressing Salad, Summer Pasta Salad, Easy Shrimp Salad
