Description
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish featuring succulent shrimp and perfectly cooked short pasta tossed in a zesty lemon garlic dressing with fresh herbs and a smooth plant-based creamy touch. Ideal for light lunches, picnics, or gatherings, this salad combines bright citrus flavors with a subtle garlic kick and a variety of textures for a satisfying and quick meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Pasta
- 12 oz fresh medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz short pasta like fusilli or penne
Dressing
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup plant-based creamy dressing (made from soaked cashews or plant-based yogurt)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent (optional)
Salad Ingredients
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Heat a small amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add shrimp and sauté for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add pasta, and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and keep pasta cool for salad texture.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar (natural), minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in the plant-based creamy dressing until smooth. If a thicker consistency is preferred, add the natural gelling agent and stir well to incorporate.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, shrimp, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped fresh herbs. Pour dressing over the mixture and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Before serving, give it a final toss and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and herbs for best flavor.
- Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture.
- Chill salad to build layers of flavor.
- Adjust acidity gradually to maintain balance.
- Prepare in advance for enhanced taste and convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: lemon garlic shrimp pasta salad, shrimp pasta salad, plant-based creamy dressing, lemon shrimp pasta, light lunch salad, summer pasta salad