Refreshing Shrimp & Nectarine Pasta Salad
Indulge in this delightful Refreshing Shrimp & Nectarine Pasta Salad that brings the vibrant flavors of summer to your table. Tender shell pasta pairs beautifully with succulent shrimp, juicy nectarines, and crisp cucumbers, all tossed in a zesty lemon-herb dressing infused with aromatic mint and tarragon. This dish is perfect for a light lunch or as a side at your next barbecue. Drizzle with extra dressing for an added burst of flavor and don't forget to garnish with colorful raspberries and arugula for a touch of elegance. Enjoy a healthy, satisfying meal that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
4
Servings
135
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
uncooked medium-size shell pasta
8 (ounces)
lemon-herb dressing with mint and tarragon
3/4 (cup)
medium cooked shrimp
1 (lb, peeled and deveined)
large nectarine
1 (cut into thin wedges)
chopped seedless cucumber
1 (cup)
fresh raspberries
1/4 (cup (optional))
fresh arugula
1/2 (cup (optional))
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the shell pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and quickly plunge it into a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process. Drain again and transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl.
2
Add 1/2 cup of the lemon-herb dressing to the cooked pasta, tossing thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated.
3
Gently fold in the cooked shrimp, thin wedges of nectarine, and the chopped cucumber until well combined.
4
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. For a more intense flavor, feel free to drizzle in additional lemon-herb dressing.
5
Serve the salad chilled, topped with the remaining dressing, fresh raspberries, and arugula if desired, for an added touch of flavor and color.
Nutrition Information
4.5g
Fat
16g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Refreshing Shrimp & Nectarine Pasta Salad?
It is a vibrant summer dish featuring shell pasta, succulent shrimp, juicy nectarines, and crisp cucumbers tossed in a zesty lemon-herb dressing.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
What is the calorie count for a single serving?
Each serving contains approximately 135 calories.
Is this pasta salad high in fat?
No, it contains only 4.5g of fat per serving.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Medium-size shell pasta is used to capture the dressing and small ingredients.
Do I need to cook the shrimp for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of medium cooked shrimp that has been peeled and deveined.
What herbs are featured in the dressing?
The lemon-herb dressing is infused with aromatic mint and tarragon.
How should the nectarines be prepared?
One large nectarine should be cut into thin wedges before being folded into the salad.
What type of cucumber is suggested?
The recipe suggests using 1 cup of chopped seedless cucumber.
How should the pasta be cooked?
The pasta should be cooked until al dente according to the package directions.
Why should the pasta be put in ice water?
Plunging the pasta into ice water halts the cooking process immediately to prevent it from becoming mushy.
How much uncooked pasta is required?
You will need 8 ounces of uncooked medium-size shell pasta.
Can I add greens to this salad?
Yes, fresh arugula is a recommended optional garnish for an added touch of flavor.
Are there any fruit garnishes besides nectarines?
Fresh raspberries are suggested as an optional garnish for extra color and elegance.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 10g of protein per serving, largely provided by the shrimp.
What are the carbohydrate levels for this dish?
Each serving provides 16g of carbohydrates.
When is the best occasion to serve this salad?
It is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish at a summer barbecue.
How much dressing should I use in the first step?
You should initially toss the cooked pasta with 1/2 cup of the lemon-herb dressing.
Should the salad be served warm or cold?
The salad is best served chilled.
What should I do if the flavor needs adjustment?
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning or drizzle in additional lemon-herb dressing for more intensity.
Does the shrimp need to be deveined?
Yes, the 1 lb of cooked shrimp should be both peeled and deveined.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 ingredients, including the optional raspberries and arugula.
Is this considered a light meal?
Yes, it is described as a light, healthy, and satisfying meal.
How much cucumber is needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 cup of chopped seedless cucumber.
What is the total amount of dressing needed?
The recipe calls for a total of 3/4 cup of lemon-herb dressing.
Why use seedless cucumbers?
Seedless cucumbers are often used for better texture and to avoid excess moisture in the salad.
Is this recipe suitable for a healthy diet?
Yes, it is low in calories and fat while providing protein and fresh fruit and vegetables.
What gives the salad its zesty flavor?
The zesty flavor comes from the lemon-herb dressing mixed with mint and tarragon.
What is the primary fruit ingredient?
The primary fruit ingredient is a large nectarine cut into thin wedges.
How is the final dish presented?
The salad is topped with the remaining dressing, fresh raspberries, and arugula for an elegant finish.