Description
This Refreshing Shrimp Pasta Salad is the perfect light and flavorful summer dish. Combining tender rotini pasta, succulent cooked shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dill-infused dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and chill for a cool, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 8 ounces Rotini Pasta (can use fusilli or penne as alternatives)
- 1 pound Cooked Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 cup Peas (frozen, thawed)
- 1/2 cup Red Onion (or green onions for milder flavor)
- 1 cup Bell Peppers (any color; can substitute diced cucumbers)
- 1/2 cup Fresh Dill (or parsley or basil)
Dressing
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt can be used)
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (or a splash of vinegar)
- Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente, approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
- Drain and Cool Pasta: Once cooked, drain the pasta using a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta completely.
- Cook Shrimp if Needed: If using raw shrimp, heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, then remove from heat.
- Prepare Dressing: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, and fresh dill. Season the dressing with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled rotini, cooked shrimp, peas, chopped red onion, and bell peppers. Gently fold the ingredients together to mix evenly.
- Add Dressing: Pour the creamy dill dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss to coat all ingredients well.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
- Serve and Garnish: Before serving, give the salad a quick stir, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with additional fresh dill or a little lemon zest for extra brightness.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute mayonnaise and sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- Feel free to swap herbs like dill with parsley or basil depending on your preference.
- If you want to skip cooking shrimp, use pre-cooked shrimp to save time.
- Adding diced cucumbers can add extra crunch and freshness.
- Make sure to cool pasta completely before mixing to prevent sogginess.
- Chilling for longer than 1 hour enhances flavors even more.