This Shrimp Pasta Salad is a perfect blend of tender pasta, juicy shrimp, and crisp vegetables, all tossed in a tangy and creamy dressing. It’s a refreshing dish that’s perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or as a light lunch. The combination of seafood cocktail sauce, ranch dressing, and fresh lemon juice gives this salad a burst of flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: The creamy dressing with seafood cocktail sauce and lemon juice brings a tangy, zesty flavor to every bite.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family picnic, BBQ, or a simple lunch, this salad is versatile and satisfying.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up this salad in no time.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This Shrimp Pasta Salad is perfect for anyone who loves seafood and refreshing salads. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for a light, summery meal that’s easy to prepare. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want something cool and flavorful for lunch, this salad fits the bill.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 3 cups spiral-shaped pasta, uncooked
- 1 lb medium cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup chopped fresh tomato
- ½ cup sliced green onion
- ¼ cup chopped sweet red pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- ⅓ cup seafood cocktail sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon for mixing the dressing
- Knife and cutting board
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 3 cups of spiral-shaped pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and rinse under cold water to cool it down. Set the pasta aside.
2. Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup ranch dressing, ⅓ cup seafood cocktail sauce, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
3. Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, 1 lb of cooked shrimp, ½ cup chopped fresh tomato, ½ cup sliced green onion, ¼ cup chopped sweet red pepper, and 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley.
4. Add the Dressing
Pour about half of the prepared dressing over the pasta and shrimp mixture, tossing gently to coat. Add more dressing as needed to suit your taste. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined and evenly coated.
5. Chill and Serve
Once the salad is mixed, refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
- Adjust the Dressing: If you prefer a lighter dressing, start by adding half and then adjust to taste. You can also add a splash of extra lemon juice for more tang.
- Make it Ahead: This salad can be made a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prepping or serving at a party.
- Use Fresh Shrimp: While pre-cooked shrimp works great, using freshly cooked shrimp can elevate the flavor even more.
