Lemony Shrimp and Garden Pasta Salad
This Lemony Shrimp and Garden Pasta Salad is a refreshing and healthy dish perfect for dinner gatherings or potlucks. Loaded with tender shell pasta, succulent baby shrimp, and vibrant garden vegetables, this salad is tossed in a zesty lemon-spice dressing that will awaken your taste buds. The combination of creamy yogurt and a touch of mayonnaise creates a smooth and tangy base, while the Old Bay seasoning gives a hint of coastal charm. Ideal for warm days or as a make-ahead option, this salad is satisfying and offers a delightful blend of flavors in every bite. Note: Chill time is not included in the total prep time.
8
Servings
300
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
shell pasta
16 ounces (dry)
baby shrimp, precooked, frozen
16 ounces (thawed)
peas, frozen
1 cup (thawed)
tomato, diced
1 large (fresh)
cucumber, diced
1 cup (peeled and fresh)
onion, chopped
1/2 cup (fresh)
plain nonfat yogurt
1 cup (plain)
mayonnaise
1/4 cup (light or regular)
lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Old Bay Seasoning
1 tablespoon (spice blend)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (spice)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Cook the shell pasta according to the instructions on the package. In the last two minutes of cooking, add the glazed baby shrimp and peas to the pot. Drain the mixture and rinse thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2
While the pasta and shrimp are cooling, prepare your vegetables by chopping the tomato, cucumber, and onion. Set aside.
3
In a separate small bowl, combine the plain nonfat yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, and garlic powder. Whisk until smooth and well-blended.
4
In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta, shrimp, peas, and chopped vegetables. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
5
Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for at least one hour to let the flavors meld together.
6
Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
30g
Carbs
17g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lemony Shrimp and Garden Pasta Salad?
It is a refreshing and healthy dish featuring shell pasta, baby shrimp, and garden vegetables tossed in a zesty lemon-spice dressing.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include shell pasta, precooked baby shrimp, frozen peas, tomato, cucumber, onion, and a dressing made of yogurt, mayonnaise, and lemon juice.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What type of pasta is best for this salad?
The recipe specifically calls for 16 ounces of dry shell pasta.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 16 ounces of precooked, frozen baby shrimp that have been thawed.
How is the shrimp prepared?
The shrimp are added to the boiling pasta water during the last two minutes of cooking, then drained and rinsed under cold water.
What vegetables are included?
The salad includes frozen peas, a large diced tomato, a cup of diced cucumber, and half a cup of chopped onion.
What is in the lemon-spice dressing?
The dressing consists of plain nonfat yogurt, mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, and garlic powder.
Is this a healthy pasta salad option?
Yes, it is described as a healthy dish with 17g of protein and only 9g of fat per serving.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it is an ideal make-ahead option and actually requires at least one hour of chilling time for flavors to meld.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 17 grams of protein per serving.
Is there a specific seasoning used?
Yes, the recipe uses Old Bay seasoning to provide a coastal charm and zesty flavor.
Can I use regular mayonnaise?
The recipe allows for either light or regular mayonnaise.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 9 grams of fat.
Are there many carbohydrates in this dish?
There are 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does the recipe require fresh lemon juice?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice are recommended.
How long should the salad chill?
It should be refrigerated for at least one hour before serving.
Should I rinse the pasta after cooking?
Yes, rinse the pasta, shrimp, and peas under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Is this recipe suitable for a potluck?
Yes, it is categorized as a Potluck dish and is perfect for large gatherings.
What size shrimp should I use?
The recipe calls for baby shrimp.
How do I prepare the cucumber?
The cucumber should be peeled and diced before being added to the salad.
Is garlic used in this recipe?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder is included in the dressing.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper?
Yes, you should taste and adjust salt and pepper as desired before serving.
What type of yogurt is used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of plain nonfat yogurt.
How should the vegetables be prepared?
The tomato and cucumber should be diced, and the onion should be chopped.
Is this a summer dish?
Yes, it is tagged as a summer salad and is ideal for warm days.
Do I cook the frozen peas separately?
No, the peas are added to the pasta pot during the last two minutes of cooking.
Is the pasta cooked to package instructions?
Yes, start by cooking the shells according to the package directions before adding other items to the pot.
Can I serve this salad immediately?
While you can, it is recommended to chill it for at least an hour to ensure the best flavor.