Ultimate Creamy Shrimp & Pasta Salad Delight
This Ultimate Creamy Shrimp & Pasta Salad Delight is a unique take on traditional pasta salads, featuring a luscious dressing that elevates the flavors to a whole new level. The combination of tender baby shrimp, crunchy fresh peas, and vibrant scallions mingles beautifully with a rich, creamy dressing made from blended shrimp and hard-boiled eggs. Perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or meal prep, this salad can be made ahead and is sure to impress everyone at the table. Indulge in this one-of-a-kind dish and you'll find it hard to enjoy any other pasta salad again!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
small baby shrimp
1 1/2 lbs (peeled and deveined)
hard-boiled eggs
4 (roughly chopped)
mayonnaise
2 cups (preferably Best Foods)
dry white wine
1/4 cup (none)
size 22 pasta shells
1 lb (uncooked)
cooked peas
1 1/2 cups (keep them crisp)
thinly sliced scallion
1 cup (about 12 scallions)
pimiento
1 (4 oz) jar (rinsed and chopped)
minced fresh parsley
1/2 cup (dried is acceptable)
lemon juice
3 tablespoons (bottled is fine)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
lettuce leaf
optional (for serving)
finely chopped red onion
1/2 cup (optional)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the dressing: Combine 1/4 of the baby shrimp, the hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, and dry white wine in a food processor or blender. Process until smooth and creamy. Cover and refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
2
While the dressing chills, bring 5 quarts of salted water to a boil in a large pot. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold running water to halt the cooking process. Allow the pasta to drain thoroughly.
3
Chop or leave the remaining shrimp whole, depending on your preference. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped shrimp, crisp peas, sliced scallions, chopped pimiento, minced parsley, lemon juice, and the chilled dressing.
4
Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is well coated with the creamy dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste, tossing again to incorporate.
5
Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to develop.
6
To serve, line a large serving bowl with fresh lettuce leaves and mound the shrimp and pasta salad in the center. For a beautiful presentation, top with finely chopped red onion and slice the optional additional hard-boiled egg on top.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Ultimate Creamy Shrimp & Pasta Salad Delight.
What makes the dressing for this salad unique?
The dressing is unique because it is made by blending a portion of the baby shrimp and hard-boiled eggs with mayonnaise and white wine.
What kind of shrimp is recommended?
Small baby shrimp that are peeled and deveined should be used.
How much shrimp is required for the recipe?
A total of 1 1/2 pounds of small baby shrimp is needed.
What type of pasta works best for this salad?
The recipe calls for size 22 pasta shells.
How many hard-boiled eggs are needed?
The recipe requires 4 roughly chopped hard-boiled eggs, plus an optional one for garnish.
What kind of wine is used in the dressing?
1/4 cup of dry white wine is used.
Is there a specific brand of mayonnaise suggested?
The recipe suggests using Best Foods mayonnaise.
How should the peas be prepared?
Use 1 1/2 cups of cooked peas and ensure they remain crisp.
How many scallions are needed for the salad?
You will need about 12 scallions to yield 1 cup of thinly sliced scallions.
What is the role of pimiento in this dish?
One 4 oz jar of pimientos, rinsed and chopped, adds color and flavor to the mix.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
Yes, while fresh minced parsley is preferred, dried parsley is acceptable.
How much lemon juice should I add?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of lemon juice.
Is bottled lemon juice okay to use?
Yes, bottled lemon juice is fine for this recipe.
How long should the dressing chill before mixing?
The dressing should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
How long does the pasta need to cook?
The pasta should be cooked for 8 to 10 minutes until it is al dente.
Should I rinse the pasta after boiling?
Yes, rinse the pasta under cold running water to stop the cooking process.
How long should the final salad chill before serving?
The salad should chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
How do I serve the Ultimate Creamy Shrimp & Pasta Salad?
Serve it in a large bowl lined with fresh lettuce leaves.
What are the suggested garnishes?
Top the salad with finely chopped red onion and slices of hard-boiled egg.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it is an excellent dish for meal prep or making ahead for gatherings.
How much pasta should I boil?
You should cook 1 pound of uncooked pasta shells.
What is the texture of the dressing?
When processed in a food processor or blender, the dressing becomes smooth and creamy.
How much red onion is used for the topping?
Use 1/2 cup of finely chopped red onion as an optional garnish.
Is this salad suitable for summer picnics?
Yes, it is highly recommended for summer gatherings and picnics.
How many ingredients are listed in this recipe?
There are 14 ingredients in total including the optional garnishes.
What should I do with the shrimp not used in the dressing?
The remaining shrimp can be chopped or left whole and mixed directly into the salad.
Is this recipe considered a cold salad?
Yes, it is a chilled pasta salad.
Should I season the salad with salt?
Yes, season with salt and pepper to taste before the final chilling.
How much mayonnaise is used in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of mayonnaise.