Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Why This Easy Recipe Is a Summer Favorite
- The Flavor Profile: Creamy Meets Zesty
- Perfect for Make-Ahead Meal Prep
- Quick Dinner Fixes for Busy Weeknights
- Refreshing Cold Pasta Salad Ideas
- Tips for Customizing This Dish
Key Takeaways
This shrimp pasta salad is one of those easy recipes that truly delivers. It’s light, flavorful, and comes together in just 25 minutes. Packed with juicy shrimp, crisp veggies, and a creamy dressing, it’s the ideal choice for quick and easy recipes, dinner recipes, or refreshing summer meals.
Why This Easy Recipe Is a Summer Favorite
At Betty Cooks, we’re all about crafting easy recipes that shine in both simplicity and taste. This shrimp pasta salad is the perfect go-to when you want something chilled, satisfying, and quick to prepare. Whether you’re planning a summer picnic, a casual lunch, or a potluck, this dish is always a hit. Easy recipes like this allow you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying good food with great company.
The Flavor Profile: Creamy Meets Zesty
What makes this dish so special? It’s the balance of creamy mayonnaise with a bright touch of lemon juice, paired with the crunch of celery and the subtle bite of red onion. Each forkful of this seafood pasta salad is a burst of fresh flavors that feels indulgent without being heavy. It’s exactly the kind of shrimp salad you’d crave on a warm afternoon.
Perfect for Make-Ahead Meal Prep
This cold pasta salad stores beautifully, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Make a batch the night before and let it chill in the fridge. The flavors deepen overnight, meaning your lunch or light dinner the next day will taste even better. For anyone trying to plan summer recipes ahead of time, this one checks all the boxes.
Quick Dinner Fixes for Busy Weeknights
When you’re looking for quick and easy recipes, this one is a game changer. It’s ready in under 30 minutes and requires minimal cooking. With just a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you’ll have a wholesome seafood dish that’s sure to satisfy your hunger and your schedule.
Refreshing Cold Pasta Salad Ideas
While this version features shrimp, the recipe is incredibly versatile. Swap in grilled chicken, add in cherry tomatoes or diced bell peppers for color, or even try it with whole grain pasta. The foundation of this cold pasta salad recipe remains reliable and adaptable. It’s a perfect base for experimenting with your favorite ingredients.
Tips for Customizing This Dish
To lighten the dressing, you can replace some or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. Want to make it more filling? Toss in cubed avocado or a handful of cooked quinoa. For a bolder flavor, add a pinch of Old Bay seasoning or fresh dill. The beauty of easy recipes like this is their flexibility—you can tailor them to your taste and dietary needs.
Easy Shrimp Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound small cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water until cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, cooked pasta, celery, red onion, and parsley.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the shrimp mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
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