Herbed Shrimp Pasta Salad – Simple But Delicious

If you’re looking for a light, fresh, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion, this Herbed Shrimp Pasta Salad is just what you need. Juicy, tender shrimp combined with al dente pasta, fresh herbs, and a zesty lemon dressing make this salad a crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re serving it at a picnic, for lunch, or as a side dish, this pasta salad is sure to impress. Ready to toss up some deliciousness? Let’s get started!

Annie Graves

Herbed Shrimp Pasta Salad

Enjoy a light and refreshing Herbed Shrimp Pasta Salad! Tossed with fresh herbs, juicy shrimp, and a zesty dressing, it’s perfect for a summer meal or picnic.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 3

Course: Lunch

Cuisine: American

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz 340g pasta (fusilli, penne, or farfalle work well)
• 1 lb 450g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• 1/2 cup cucumber diced
• 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives pitted and sliced
• 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbled (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh dill chopped (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Dressing

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 clove garlic minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Substitutions

• Vegan: Substitute shrimp with grilled tofu or chickpeas and use vegan cheese or omit the cheese.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
• Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium olives and season lightly with salt.

Method

 

Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it down, then transfer it to a large mixing bowl.

Cook the Shrimp

1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and let them cool slightly.

Prepare the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Assemble the Salad

1. Add the cooked shrimp, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and crumbled feta cheese (if using) to the bowl with the cooled pasta.
2. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all the ingredients are evenly coated.
3. Add the chopped parsley, basil, and dill, and toss again to distribute the herbs throughout the salad.

Serve

1. Serve the Herbed Shrimp Pasta Salad immediately, or refrigerate it for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
2. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired.
3. Enjoy!

Notes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 cup):

• Calories: 300
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

 

Notes/Advice:

• Additions/Subtractions:
  • For extra crunch, add some chopped celery or bell peppers to the salad.
  • If you prefer a more acidic dressing, increase the lemon juice or add a splash of red wine vinegar.
  • You can customize the herbs to your taste—mint or chives would also work well in this salad.

Variations:

• Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta Salad: Add artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of pine nuts for a Mediterranean twist.
• Spicy Shrimp Pasta Salad: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the dressing for some heat.
• Creamy Shrimp Pasta Salad: Stir in 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise to the dressing for a creamier texture.

Suggestions:

• Serving Ideas: This pasta salad is perfect on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables, crusty bread, or a side of mixed greens. It’s great for picnics, potlucks, or as a light main course.
• Make It Ahead: The pasta salad can be made a few hours in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good toss before serving to refresh the flavors.
• Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day.

Final Thoughts:

And there you have it—Herbed Shrimp Pasta Salad that’s light, fresh, and packed with flavor! This dish is a wonderful way to enjoy a combination of tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and vibrant herbs, all brought together by a zesty dressing. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side, this pasta salad is sure to be a hit at any gathering. So grab your ingredients, toss up this delicious salad, and enjoy a taste of summer in every bite. Buon appetito!

Related Recipes:

White Wine Poached Shrimp: A Mediterranean Delight Turmeric Chicken Skewers with Cucumber Salad – Bright And Flavorful Cauliflower Fried Rice with Scrambled Eggs – Healthy And Flavorful Fishcake Ramen – Flavorful, Comforting, and Packed with Umami