This delightful pasta and shrimp salad is a classic American dish that combines the freshness of shrimp with the comfort of pasta. The recipe is easy to follow and requires simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. It is perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, and it can be served as a side dish for barbecues or potlucks. The flavors blend together beautifully to create a satisfying and refreshing salad that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (such as fusilli or rotini)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the water and set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shrimp, cherry tomatoes, black olives, red onion, parsley, and basil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the pasta and shrimp mixture.
- Toss everything together until well coated with the dressing.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to marinate.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.
- Enjoy this refreshing and flavorful pasta and shrimp salad!
