Chilled Shrimp and Rotini Pasta Salad
This Chilled Shrimp and Rotini Pasta Salad is a refreshing and elegant dish perfect for any potluck or family gathering. Combining tender shrimp with perfectly cooked rotini pasta, fresh green onions, and a rich, flavorful dressing, this salad balances deliciousness with ease of preparation. Serve it chilled for a delightful meal that can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully for a truly satisfying dish that everyone will love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
rotini pasta
12 ounces (cooked and drained)
frozen cooked shrimp
10 ounces (thawed)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
green onion
1/4 cup (sliced)
canola oil
1/3 cup (none)
red wine vinegar
1/3 cup (none)
dill weed
2 1/2 teaspoons (dried)
salt
2 teaspoons (none)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
garlic powder
3/4 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, thawed shrimp, sliced green onions, and grated Parmesan cheese.
3
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the canola oil, red wine vinegar, dill weed, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
4
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss everything together to ensure the pasta and shrimp are well coated.
5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to allow the flavors to develop.
6
Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve chilled.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chilled Shrimp and Rotini Pasta Salad?
It is a refreshing and elegant cold dish featuring tender shrimp, rotini pasta, green onions, and a tangy homemade dressing.
What kind of pasta is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of rotini pasta, which is cooked and then cooled.
Can I substitute the rotini with another pasta shape?
Yes, while rotini is suggested for its ability to hold dressing, you can use other shapes like fusilli, penne, or farfalle.
What type of shrimp should I buy?
You should use 10 ounces of frozen cooked shrimp that has been thawed.
Do I need to cook the shrimp?
No, the recipe uses pre-cooked shrimp. You simply need to ensure it is properly thawed before adding it to the salad.
What ingredients are in the salad dressing?
The dressing is made from canola oil, red wine vinegar, dried dill weed, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Can I use olive oil instead of canola oil?
Yes, you can substitute canola oil with a light olive oil if you prefer that flavor profile.
What type of vinegar is used?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of red wine vinegar for a sharp, tangy flavor.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Is this salad served hot or cold?
This salad is intended to be served chilled.
How long should the salad be refrigerated before serving?
It should be refrigerated for 1 to 2 hours to allow the flavors to develop and meld together.
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, it is an excellent make-ahead dish, which makes it perfect for dinner parties and gatherings.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients: rotini, shrimp, Parmesan, green onions, canola oil, red wine vinegar, dill, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Is this recipe suitable for a potluck?
Absolutely! It is highly recommended for potlucks and family gatherings because it serves well cold and can be transported easily.
What vegetables are included?
The primary vegetable included is 1/4 cup of sliced green onions.
Is this shrimp pasta salad spicy?
No, it is a savory and herbaceous salad. The only heat comes from a small amount of black pepper.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long does the salad stay fresh in the fridge?
When stored properly, it should remain fresh for 2 to 3 days.
Can I freeze Chilled Shrimp and Rotini Pasta Salad?
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the pasta and the dressing may degrade upon thawing.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written with standard rotini, it is not gluten-free. However, you can use gluten-free pasta as a substitute.
Can I use fresh dill instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh dill. Usually, you would use about three times the amount of fresh dill compared to dried dill.
What can I substitute for garlic powder?
You can use one or two cloves of finely minced fresh garlic instead of the 3/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Is this dish vegetarian?
No, it contains shrimp. To make it vegetarian, you would need to omit the shrimp or use a plant-based substitute.
How difficult is this recipe to prepare?
It is considered an easy recipe, involving mostly basic boiling, whisking, and tossing steps.
Should I rinse the pasta after cooking?
Yes, rinsing the pasta with cold water after draining helps stop the cooking process and cools it down faster for the salad.
What size shrimp is best for this salad?
Small or medium shrimp usually work best so that you get a bit of shrimp in every bite of the pasta.
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
While red wine vinegar is best, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be used as alternatives.
What is the flavor profile of the dressing?
The dressing is light, tangy, and savory with a distinct herbal note from the dried dill.
Does the recipe require any fresh herbs?
The recipe primarily uses dried dill weed, but the green onions provide a fresh, crisp element.
Can I add other vegetables like bell peppers or peas?
Yes, this salad is versatile and you can easily add diced bell peppers, peas, or cucumbers for extra crunch.