Description
This refreshing Shrimp Pasta Salad is a quick and easy cold pasta dish perfect for potlucks or busy weeknight dinners. Featuring tender cooked shrimp, farfalle pasta, fresh dill, and a zesty lemon dressing, it combines bright citrus flavors with a hint of honey and garlic for a deliciously balanced meal.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad:
- 12 ounces farfalle pasta or your favorite pasta
- 1 pound cooked shrimp
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh dill
For the Lemon Dressing:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup lemon juice (from 2 large lemons)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of farfalle pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 9-11 minutes.
- Prepare the dressing: While the pasta cooks, whisk together in a small bowl or jar 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon honey, 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Drain and cool pasta: Once pasta is cooked, drain it thoroughly and immediately rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta for the salad.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with 1 pound cooked shrimp, 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill. Pour the lemon dressing over and toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Serve: Serve the shrimp pasta salad chilled or at room temperature. It makes a great potluck dish or a quick, satisfying weeknight meal.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked shrimp for convenience, but peeled and deveined shrimp can be cooked quickly if preferred.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper according to taste after tossing the salad.
- The salad can be made a few hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator to let flavors meld.
- Farmer’s cheese or feta can be substituted for Parmesan for variation.
- If you prefer a tangier dressing, increase the lemon juice slightly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
