Dilled shrimp pasta salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp, pasta, and a creamy dill dressing. It’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a light and satisfying meal. Here’s a recipe to make dilled shrimp pasta salad:
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 8 ounces (about 2 cups) pasta (such as fusilli, rotini, or penne)
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for added freshness)
- Lemon wedges, for garnish (optional)
For the Creamy Dill Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and black pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them. Remove from heat and let them cool.
- Prepare the Creamy Dill Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt or sour cream, fresh lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, chopped fresh dill, and chopped fresh parsley (if using).
- Add Shrimp: Cut the cooked shrimp into bite-sized pieces and add them to the salad.
- Add Dressing: Pour the creamy dill dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Toss and Chill: Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is well coated with the dressing. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
- Serve: Garnish with lemon wedges if desired. Serve the dilled shrimp pasta salad cold, and enjoy!
This dilled shrimp pasta salad is not only delicious but also perfect for warm weather. The combination of tender shrimp, refreshing vegetables, and creamy dill dressing makes it a delightful and satisfying dish.