Description
A fresh, vibrant, and satisfying Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Salad that combines tender shrimp, zesty lemon, and a luscious garlic dressing. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy meals or casual gatherings, packed with wholesome ingredients and a delightful blend of textures and colors.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Pasta
- 1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces pasta shells (or penne, fusilli, or orzo as variations)
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing
- Juice of 2 fresh lemons
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (natural)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your pasta shells. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool and stop the cooking process.
- Prepare the shrimp: While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil (natural). Toss in the shrimp seasoned lightly with salt, pepper, and minced garlic, cooking until pink and opaque, about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
- Make the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, and pepper. Add a small amount of natural gelling agent if you want a thicker texture, mixing well until smooth.
- Combine all ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked shrimp, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped parsley. Pour the dressing over and toss everything gently to coat evenly.
- Chill and serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend beautifully. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for tender, juicy bites.
- Do not overcook the pasta; keep it al dente to maintain texture.
- Chilling the salad allows the flavors to marry and intensify.
- Taste the dressing before adding and adjust lemon or vinegar to your liking.
- Fresh herbs like parsley uplift the dish with freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
Keywords: lemon garlic shrimp, pasta salad, seafood salad, quick meal, healthy salad, gluten free pasta salad
