Coastal Shrimp & Veggie Pasta Salad
Delight in the refreshing flavors of our Coastal Shrimp & Veggie Pasta Salad. This vibrant dish combines succulent shrimp, crisp vegetables, and perfectly cooked shell pasta, tossed in a creamy ranch dressing. This versatile salad is perfect for any occasion, whether as a light lunch or a side dish at a picnic. Enhance your family gatherings with this delightful, ocean-inspired dish. For a richer alternative, try substituting the shrimp with diced ham.
4
Servings
213
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
shell pasta
8 ounces (cooked al dente)
ranch dressing mix
1 (1 ounce) package (prepared as per instructions)
small shrimp
8 ounces (cooked and cooled)
red onion
1 large (diced)
cucumber
1 (diced)
frozen green peas
6 ounces (thawed)
salt and pepper
to taste
lettuce leaf
for garnish
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shell pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain well and allow to cool slightly.
2
Meanwhile, prepare the ranch dressing as per the package directions. Set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shrimp, red onion, cucumber, and green peas.
4
Pour the prepared ranch dressing over the ingredients in the bowl. Gently toss to ensure everything is evenly coated. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
6
To serve, arrange lettuce leaves on individual plates or a serving platter. Spoon the chilled shrimp salad over the lettuce. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
25g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
2.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Coastal Shrimp & Veggie Pasta Salad?
It is a vibrant dish that combines succulent shrimp, crisp vegetables, and shell pasta tossed in a creamy ranch dressing.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What type of pasta is best for this salad?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of shell pasta, cooked al dente.
What kind of shrimp should be used?
Use 8 ounces of small shrimp that have been cooked and cooled.
What dressing is used in this pasta salad?
The salad uses a ranch dressing prepared from a 1-ounce package of ranch dressing mix.
How long should the salad be refrigerated before serving?
It should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The recipe includes diced red onion, diced cucumber, and thawed frozen green peas.
Can I substitute the shrimp with another protein?
Yes, you can substitute the shrimp with diced ham for a richer alternative.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 213 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 12.5g of protein.
How much fat is in this dish?
Each serving contains 7.5g of fat.
What are the carbohydrate and fiber counts?
There are 25g of carbohydrates and 2.5g of fiber per serving.
How should the salad be served?
Serve the chilled salad spooned over individual lettuce leaves or a serving platter garnished with lettuce.
Is this recipe suitable for a picnic?
Yes, it is specifically mentioned as a perfect side dish for a picnic or a light lunch.
How should the peas be prepared?
The 6 ounces of frozen green peas should be thawed before being added to the salad.
What kind of onion is recommended?
The recipe recommends using one large diced red onion.
How do I cook the pasta for this recipe?
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the shells until al dente according to package instructions.
How much sugar is in the salad?
There is 2.5g of sugar per serving.
Should the pasta be hot when mixing?
No, you should drain the pasta and allow it to cool slightly before combining it with other ingredients.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 8 ingredients, including the salt, pepper, and garnish.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include shrimp salad, pasta salad, quick meal, seafood dish, picnic, summer recipe, light lunch, and easy recipe.
Do I need to make the ranch dressing from scratch?
The recipe uses a pre-packaged ranch dressing mix prepared according to its package directions.
How do I ensure the salad is evenly coated?
Pour the prepared ranch over the ingredients in a large bowl and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Can I add more seasoning?
Yes, you should season the salad to taste with salt and pepper during the mixing process.
How should the bowl be prepared for refrigeration?
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid before placing it in the refrigerator.
Is the cucumber peeled or diced?
The recipe specifies one cucumber, diced.
What makes this an 'ocean-inspired' dish?
The addition of succulent shrimp gives this pasta salad its coastal, ocean-inspired flavor profile.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and an easy recipe, though it does require chilling time.
Does the recipe provide sodium or cholesterol info?
The sodium and cholesterol information is currently not specified in the recipe data.
What is the primary flavor profile of the salad?
It has a refreshing and creamy flavor profile thanks to the fresh vegetables and ranch dressing.