Pasta Salad With Spaghetti Noodles And Shrimp
Summer is here, and nothing beats a refreshing and filling pasta salad on a hot day. Pasta salad with spaghetti noodles and shrimp is an excellent choice for a light, yet satisfying meal. This dish is easy to make, and the ingredients are readily available in most grocery stores. With this recipe, you can impress your friends and family with a delicious and healthy pasta salad.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of spaghetti noodles
- 1 pound of cooked shrimp
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup of red onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup of black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to choose fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best results.
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, cooked shrimp, chopped bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, black olives, parsley leaves, and basil leaves.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the pasta salad a quick toss and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Variations
This pasta salad recipe is versatile, and you can modify it to your liking. Here are some variations you can try:
- Substitute the shrimp with grilled chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Add some feta or goat cheese for a tangy flavor.
- Use different types of pasta such as bowtie, penne, or fusilli.
- Experiment with different vegetables such as cucumbers, zucchini, or corn.
- Make it spicy by adding some red pepper flakes or jalapenos.
Conclusion
Pasta salad with spaghetti noodles and shrimp is a perfect dish for any summer occasion. This recipe is easy to make, healthy, and delicious. With a few modifications, you can customize it to your liking and impress your guests. Don't forget to refrigerate the pasta salad before serving to enhance the flavors. Enjoy!