Timeless Shrimp Pasta Delight

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 40 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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This Timeless Shrimp Pasta Delight is a refreshing twist on a classic summer dish that’ll leave you and your guests wanting more. With its vibrant colors and fresh flavors, it’s perfect for any gathering or as a light meal on a warm day.

Ingredients for Timeless Shrimp Pasta Delight

Shrimp is the star of this dish, bringing a mild, sweet flavor and a satisfying, tender texture. Rotini pasta is perfect for holding onto the dressing, making every bite rich and flavorful. Cherry tomatoes add a burst of freshness and slight acidity, balancing the richness of the dressing. Celery provides a crisp texture and subtle earthy taste. Red onion offers a hint of sharpness, while bell pepper adds a touch of sweetness and crunch. The mayonnaise and sour cream create a creamy base for the dressing, while lemon juice adds brightness. Fresh dill infuses the dish with a fragrant herbal note. Finally, salt and pepper are essential for seasoning and enhancing all these wonderful flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use fresh shrimp if possible, as it will give the dish a better texture and flavor.
  • Chill the salad for several hours or overnight for an even more pronounced flavor.
  • If you prefer a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise.
  • To save time, buy pre-cooked shrimp from the seafood counter.

Serving Suggestions

This shrimp pasta salad pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc. Serve it alongside a simple green salad for a complete meal, or as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. It’s also excellent for potlucks or picnics since it holds up well when made ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Fusilli or penne would work well, too. Just choose a shape that will hold the dressing nicely.
What can I use instead of dill?
If dill isn’t your favorite, try parsley or basil for a different herbal note.
How long will this salad keep?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it should last for about 3 days.

Timeless Shrimp Pasta Delight Recipe Walkthrough

Begin by cooking your rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain it and set it aside to cool. You don't want it too hot when you mix it with the other ingredients, or it might wilt the veggies.

While the pasta is cooling, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the shrimp and cook them until they turn pink and opaque, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Then, drain and let them cool alongside the pasta.

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and shrimp with the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped celery, diced red onion, and bell pepper. This is where the magic starts to happen, as the colors and textures come together beautifully.

Next, prepare the dressing in a separate bowl. Mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, and fresh dill. Add salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined.

Pour the dressing over the pasta and shrimp mixture. Toss everything together gently to ensure all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least an hour before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Combines fresh, zesty flavors with a creamy dressing for a delightful contrast.
  • Versatile enough to serve as a main dish or a side salad.
  • Perfectly balances protein, veggies, and carbs for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 oz rotini pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1/4 cup bell pepper, finely diced
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions, drain, and let cool.
2. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the shrimp until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Drain and let cool.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shrimp, cherry tomatoes, celery, red onion, and bell pepper.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
5. Pour the dressing over the pasta and shrimp mixture and toss to combine.
6. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

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