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Herbed Shrimp Pasta Salad Recipe
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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
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.