Refreshing Low-Fat Shrimp Pasta Salad
This Refreshing Low-Fat Shrimp Pasta Salad is a light, flavorful dish perfect for lunch or as a healthy snack. Bursting with vibrant veggies and succulent shrimp, it's tossed in a creamy yet low-fat dressing that delivers on taste without the guilt. Ideal for meal prep or as a quick, satisfying meal, this salad can be made ahead of time and enjoyed cold, making it an excellent choice for busy weekdays or outdoor gatherings. Whip this up for a nutritious dish that's both filling and refreshing, keeping you energized throughout your day.
4
Servings
120
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
spiral-shaped pasta
1 1/2 cups (Cooked until al dente, then rinsed and cooled.)
chopped green onion
1/4 cup (Fresh, chopped.)
celery
1/2 cup (Fresh, sliced.)
frozen peas
1/2 cup (Defrosted.)
baby shrimp
1 (6-ounce) can (Drained (or fresh if preferred).)
carrot
1 (Grated.)
plain low-fat yogurt
1/2 cup (Plain and low-fat.)
low-fat mayonnaise
2 tablespoons (Low-fat variety.)
dry mustard
1 teaspoon (Powdered.)
salt
to taste (Adjust as desired.)
pepper
to taste (Freshly ground preferred.)
garlic powder
to taste (Or fresh garlic, minced.)
Instructions
1
Start by cooking the spiral-shaped pasta in a large pot of boiling water. Follow the package instructions and cook until the pasta is al dente, typically about 8 to 10 minutes.
2
Once the pasta is cooked, drain and rinse it under cool water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with chopped green onions, sliced celery, defrosted frozen peas, grated carrot, and the baby shrimp (drained if using canned).
4
In a separate smaller bowl, mix together the plain low-fat yogurt, low-fat mayonnaise, dry mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (or fresh garlic). Adjust seasoning to taste.
5
Pour the dressing over the pasta and shrimp mixture, and toss everything together until well-coated.
6
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7
Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and adjust any seasoning if needed. Enjoy chilled!
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
20g
Carbs
6.75g
Protein
1.25g
Fiber
125mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Refreshing Low-Fat Shrimp Pasta Salad.
How many calories are in a serving of this shrimp pasta salad?
There are 120 calories per serving.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains 2.5g of fat.
What type of pasta is best for this salad?
Spiral-shaped pasta is recommended for this recipe.
Can I use canned shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use one 6-ounce can of drained baby shrimp, or fresh shrimp if you prefer.
What kind of yogurt should I use in the dressing?
The recipe calls for plain low-fat yogurt.
Is there mayonnaise in the dressing?
Yes, it uses 2 tablespoons of low-fat mayonnaise to keep the salad light.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How long should I cook the pasta?
Cook the pasta until it is al dente, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes.
Should the pasta be rinsed after cooking?
Yes, rinse it under cool water after draining to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
What vegetables are included in this pasta salad?
The salad includes green onions, celery, peas, and grated carrot.
How long should the salad be refrigerated before serving?
It should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Yes, you can substitute garlic powder with minced fresh garlic.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 6.75g of protein.
How much sodium is in this recipe?
There is 125mg of sodium per serving.
Is this salad served hot or cold?
This dish is best enjoyed chilled.
What kind of mustard is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of dry mustard powder.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 20g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, there is 1.25g of fiber per serving.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for meal prep as it can be made ahead of time.
Are the peas used in this recipe fresh or frozen?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of frozen peas that have been defrosted.
How do I prepare the carrots for the salad?
The carrot should be grated before being added to the mixture.
How much celery is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of sliced celery.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding salt and pepper to taste.
Is this shrimp pasta salad gluten-free?
As written, it contains wheat-based pasta, but you could substitute it with a gluten-free spiral pasta.
How much green onion is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of chopped green onion.
Is this recipe considered a healthy lunch option?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious, light, and low-fat dish perfect for lunch.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 12 ingredients in this recipe.
How much pasta is required?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of spiral-shaped pasta.
What is the main texture of the dressing?
The dressing is creamy yet low in fat due to the combination of yogurt and low-fat mayo.