Chilled Shrimp Pasta Salad
This refreshing Chilled Shrimp Pasta Salad is the perfect dish for hot summer days, offering a delicious balance of flavors and textures. Our family has enjoyed this recipe for generations, and it pairs wonderfully with fresh sliced tomatoes sprinkled with salt and pepper, and tangy sliced cucumbers marinated in vinegar. The salad is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for picnics or gatherings. The combination of tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, and creamy mayonnaise creates a light and satisfying meal that will please everyone at the table. Feel free to customize with your favorite herbs or spices to make it your own!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
pasta
12 ounces (cooked al dente)
onion
1/2 cup (minced)
celery
3/4 cup (chopped)
shrimp
16 ounces (cooked, peeled, and deveined)
mayonnaise
3/4 cup (to taste)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow to cool.
2
In the same pot, add the cooled pasta, minced onion, chopped celery, and cooked, peeled, and deveined shrimp. Gently mix to combine all ingredients evenly.
3
Gradually stir in the mayonnaise, starting with 1/2 cup and adding more as desired until the pasta is coated to your preference. Remember, you can adjust the amount of mayonnaise according to your taste.
4
Season the salad generously with salt and pepper. For best results, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or overnight for enhanced flavors.
5
When ready to serve, give the salad a gentle toss and taste to adjust seasoning before presenting it alongside your favorite summer sides.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chilled Shrimp Pasta Salad?
It is a refreshing summer dish featuring tender shrimp, pasta, and crisp vegetables in a creamy mayonnaise dressing.
What are the main ingredients?
The main ingredients include 12 ounces of pasta, 16 ounces of cooked shrimp, minced onion, chopped celery, and mayonnaise.
How much pasta is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of pasta.
How should the pasta be cooked?
The pasta should be cooked in a large pot of salted water until it reaches an al dente texture.
Why do I need to rinse the pasta in cold water?
Rinsing the pasta under cold water stops the cooking process and allows it to cool quickly for the chilled salad.
How much shrimp is needed?
The recipe requires 16 ounces of shrimp.
What preparation is needed for the shrimp?
The shrimp should be cooked, peeled, and deveined before being added to the salad.
How much celery should I use?
You should use 3/4 cup of chopped celery.
How should the onion be prepared?
The onion should be finely minced, and the recipe calls for 1/2 cup.
What is the base for the salad dressing?
The dressing base is mayonnaise, used to coat the pasta and other ingredients.
How much mayonnaise is recommended?
The recipe suggests starting with 1/2 cup of mayonnaise and adding more until you reach 3/4 cup or your preferred level of creaminess.
Can I adjust the amount of mayonnaise?
Yes, you can gradually stir in the mayonnaise and adjust the amount according to your personal taste.
What seasonings are used in this salad?
The salad is seasoned generously with salt and pepper to taste.
How long should the salad be chilled before serving?
For best results, the salad should be chilled in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
Can I leave the salad in the fridge overnight?
Yes, chilling the salad overnight is recommended for enhanced and better-developed flavors.
What should I do right before serving the salad?
Give the salad a gentle toss and taste it to see if the seasoning needs further adjustment.
Is this recipe suitable for summer gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a perfect dish for hot summer days, picnics, and social gatherings.
What are some recommended side dishes?
It pairs wonderfully with fresh sliced tomatoes with salt and pepper, or tangy cucumbers marinated in vinegar.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy recipe that can be prepared ahead of time.
Can I customize the flavor of this salad?
Absolutely, you can customize the recipe by adding your favorite herbs or spices.
What is the texture of the shrimp in this salad?
The shrimp are described as tender, which complements the crisp celery and al dente pasta.
How are the vegetables described in the recipe?
The vegetables, specifically the celery and onion, provide a crisp texture to the creamy salad.
Can this recipe be considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-dish meal because it contains carbohydrates, protein, and vegetables.
How do you mix the ingredients together?
The cooled pasta, onion, celery, and shrimp should be mixed gently in a large pot or bowl.
Is this a light meal option?
Yes, it is described as a light and satisfying meal that is perfect for warmer weather.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include shrimp salad, pasta salad, chilled salad, summer recipe, and seafood salad.
Does the recipe mention any specific family history?
Yes, the description notes that this recipe has been enjoyed by the family for generations.
Should the shrimp be deveined?
Yes, the recipe specifically instructs to use cooked, peeled, and deveined shrimp.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to bring a large pot of salted water to a boil to cook the pasta.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 total ingredients listed for this salad.