Description
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish combining succulent shrimp with zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and perfectly cooked pasta. This vibrant salad is quick and easy to prepare, featuring fresh vegetables and a smooth, natural dressing. Ideal for a light lunch, dinner, or gatherings, it offers a balanced blend of bright flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Pasta
- 1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces rotini or bowtie pasta
Vegetables
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup colorful bell peppers, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/3 cup olive oil (natural)
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool quickly, preventing mushiness.
- Sauté the Shrimp: Heat olive oil (natural) in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, then add shrimp seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook shrimp 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and lightly golden.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, olive oil (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, pepper, and natural gelling agent until smooth and luscious. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cooled pasta, sautéed shrimp, diced bell peppers, sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped parsley. Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice to brighten flavors naturally.
- Do not overcook shrimp to maintain tender texture.
- Cook pasta slightly firm to prevent mushiness after chilling.
- Prepare ahead to enhance flavor fusion.
- Add dressing gradually to avoid sogginess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing and Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Salad, shrimp salad, refreshing pasta salad, garlic shrimp, lemon pasta salad, easy shrimp recipe, light dinner, quick lunch
