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To make a delightful Shrimp Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing, gather these fresh ingredients: - 8 oz rotini pasta - 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup cucumber, diced - ½ cup bell pepper, diced - ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped - 1 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade) - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley or basil for garnish These ingredients create a colorful and tasty salad. The rotini pasta holds the dressing well. The shrimp adds protein, while the veggies give crunch and flavor. You can use any bell pepper you like. Cherry tomatoes bring a burst of sweetness. When choosing your Italian dressing, look for one with good flavor. You can make it at home if you prefer. Just mix olive oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices. The lemon juice adds a bright touch to the dish. Garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or basil makes the salad look pretty. It also adds a fresh taste. You’ll love how easy it is to combine these ingredients for a tasty meal. For detailed steps and cooking tips, check out the Full Recipe. To start, boil water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt. This helps the pasta taste better. Next, cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente, or firm to the bite. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander. Rinsing it under cold water stops the cooking process. It helps keep the pasta from getting sticky. Set it aside while you prepare the shrimp. Now, let’s cook the shrimp. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the shrimp. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You know they are done when they turn pink and opaque. While they cook, sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper on them for extra flavor. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from heat and let them cool. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta, cooked shrimp, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion. This mix adds bright colors and fresh flavors. Next, drizzle the Italian dressing over the pasta and add the lemon juice. Toss everything together gently. Make sure each piece gets coated in the dressing for the best taste. For the best flavor, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together. It also makes the salad refreshing to eat. Serve it cold or at room temperature. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color. Enjoy your shrimp pasta salad! You can find the full recipe above for more details. To boost flavor, taste your dish as you go. If it seems bland, add more Italian dressing or lemon juice. This salad shines with a balance of tanginess and freshness. For a homemade Italian dressing, mix olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and Italian herbs. This gives your salad a personal touch. You can adjust the spices to match your taste. To avoid overcooking shrimp, watch them closely. Cook until they turn pink, usually about 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp become tough. Prep ingredients ahead of time. Chop your veggies and chill your dressing for the best flavor. This makes assembling the salad quick and easy. Garnish your shrimp pasta salad with fresh parsley or basil for color. You can also add lemon wedges for a bright look. Serve in a large bowl for potlucks. It invites everyone to dig in. For meals, consider individual bowls for a classy touch. {{image_2}} You can make this shrimp pasta salad even better with fun add-ins. Try adding olives for a salty kick. Avocado gives a creamy texture and a boost of flavor. You can also mix in some spinach or arugula for extra greens. If you want a different protein, chicken works great. Just grill or bake it first. Tofu is a good choice for a vegetarian option. Make sure to press the tofu to remove extra water. You can switch up the dressing for a new taste. A homemade Italian dressing is easy to make. Just mix olive oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices. It’s fresh and bright! Other dressing options include vinaigrette or a creamy Greek dressing. Each one will change the flavor of the salad in a fun way. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands have great choices that taste just as good. You can also make a low-carb version. Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. These options keep the salad light and healthy. Feel free to explore these variations to make the dish your own! For the full recipe, check out the Shrimp Pasta Salad with Italian Zest. To keep your shrimp pasta salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent any odors from other foods in your fridge. Make sure to seal it well. The shrimp pasta salad stays good for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. You may notice the flavors blend more over time, which can make it taste even better! Can you freeze shrimp pasta salad? Yes, but it’s not ideal. Freezing can change the texture of shrimp and vegetables. If you must freeze it, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, it keeps the best quality. To reheat after freezing, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. After thawing, mix it gently with fresh dressing to restore some flavor. Enjoy your meal! It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to chill. The total time is 45 minutes. This includes cooking the pasta and shrimp and mixing all the fresh ingredients. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. I suggest making it a few hours in advance. This allows the flavors to blend well. Store it in the fridge until serving. Just remember to add the garnish right before serving for freshness. You can serve this salad with various dishes. Here are some ideas: - Grilled chicken or fish - Garlic bread - A light green salad - Fresh fruit salad These sides add balance and variety to your meal. Yes, you can use other types of pasta. Here are some great alternatives: - Penne - Fusilli - Farfalle Each type has a different shape and texture. Try them to find your favorite! This shrimp pasta salad combines fresh veggies, tender shrimp, and zesty dressing. You learned how to cook pasta and shrimp for the perfect mix. I shared tips to boost flavor and make it visually appealing. You can store leftovers easily, and I showed you how. This recipe is flexible, so feel free to swap ingredients. Enjoy making it your own. Your kitchen adventures can be fun and tasty!

Shrimp Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

Dive into a refreshing Shrimp Pasta Salad with Italian Zest that's perfect for any gathering! This easy recipe combines tender shrimp, colorful veggies, and zesty Italian dressing for a delicious dish that's both satisfying and light. Ideal for picnics or quick weeknight dinners, this salad is a crowd-pleaser. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your friends and family with this tasty pasta delight!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz rotini pasta

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

½ cup bell pepper, diced (any color)

¼ cup red onion, finely chopped

1 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool down. Set aside.

    While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper during cooking. Remove from heat and let cool.

      In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta, cooked shrimp, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion.

        Drizzle the Italian dressing over the pasta mixture and add the lemon juice. Toss everything together until well combined.

          Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or dressing if necessary.

            Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

              Serve cold or at room temperature, garnished with fresh parsley or basil.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 45 mins | 4 servings