Description

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Salad is a bright and refreshing dish bursting with zesty lemon, fragrant garlic, and succulent shrimp. Combining tender pasta with fresh herbs, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy dressing, this salad is perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or party appetizer. Light, healthy, and easy to prepare, it offers a vibrant flavor profile and delightful texture in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Pasta

1 pound peeled, deveined shrimp
8 ounces short pasta (rotini or farfalle), cooked al dente

Dressing

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 cup olive oil (natural)
1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
1 pinch sea salt
1 pinch freshly ground black pepper

Other Ingredients

3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Black pepper and sea salt to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Pasta: Cook your chosen short pasta in salted boiling water until al dente to ensure a firm texture that absorbs flavors well. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta promptly.
Sauté the Shrimp: Heat a splash of olive oil (natural) in a skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until aromatic. Add the peeled shrimp, season lightly with sea salt and black pepper, and cook until they turn pink and opaque, retaining a juicy texture for the salad.
Mix Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), a pinch of sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well emulsified into a light and tangy dressing.
Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta and cooked shrimp with halved cherry tomatoes, chopped parsley, chopped basil, and the lemon-garlic dressing. Stir gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Chill briefly before serving to let flavors meld.

Notes

Avoid overcooking pasta to maintain a firm texture in the salad.
Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest citrus flavor.
Use garlic moderately to enhance but not overpower the shrimp.
Chill the salad before serving to allow flavors to infuse.
Add fresh herbs last to preserve their vibrant color and flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 280
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 145mg

Keywords: lemon garlic shrimp, pasta salad, fresh herbs, light meal, quick recipe, healthy salad, seafood pasta