Zesty Ditalini Shrimp Salad
This vibrant and refreshing Zesty Ditalini Shrimp Salad combines the delightful taste of ditalini pasta with tender baby shrimp and an exciting blend of seasonings. Perfect for summer picnics or as a light meal, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also brimming with flavor. The creamy dressing, enhanced with a touch of mustard and a hint of spice, brings all the ingredients together seamlessly. Serve chilled for a delicious dish that everyone will love!
8
Servings
400
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
salad macaroni
12 ounces (cooked according to package directions)
baby shrimp
1 pound (fresh or frozen, thawed)
mayonnaise
1/4 cup (none)
prepared mustard
2-3 teaspoons (to taste)
chili powder
1 teaspoon (none)
cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon (none)
celery
1 stalk (chopped)
onion
2 tablespoons (chopped)
sliced olives
2 (4 ounce) cans (drained)
salt
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the salad macaroni according to the package directions until al dente.
2
Once cooked, drain the macaroni in a colander and rinse with cold water until fully cooled. Set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise and prepared mustard. Stir until well blended, adjusting mustard to taste.
4
Add the cooled macaroni, cooked shrimp, chili powder, cajun seasoning, chopped celery, chopped onion, and drained sliced olives to the bowl.
5
Gently mix all the ingredients together until they are evenly coated in the dressing. Season with salt to taste.
6
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for several hours to allow the flavors to meld.
7
Serve chilled, and enjoy this delightful dish at any gathering or as a meal on its own!
Nutrition Information
18.75g
Fat
37.5g
Carbs
18.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Ditalini Shrimp Salad?
It is a vibrant and refreshing pasta salad that combines ditalini pasta with tender baby shrimp, vegetables, and a creamy, spiced dressing.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 8 servings, making it ideal for family meals or gatherings.
What are the main seasonings used in the dressing?
The salad is seasoned with a combination of chili powder, Cajun seasoning, and prepared mustard for a zesty flavor profile.
What kind of pasta should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of salad macaroni, specifically ditalini pasta, cooked until al dente.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this salad?
Yes, you can use frozen baby shrimp; just ensure they are fully thawed and cooked before adding them to the salad.
How much mayonnaise is required for the dressing?
The dressing uses 1/4 cup of mayonnaise as the base.
Does this recipe include olives?
Yes, the recipe includes two 4-ounce cans of drained, sliced olives.
How long should the salad be refrigerated before serving?
The salad should be refrigerated for several hours to allow the flavors to properly meld together.
What vegetables are added to the shrimp salad?
The recipe includes one chopped stalk of celery and two tablespoons of chopped onion for crunch and flavor.
Is the pasta rinsed after cooking?
Yes, once the macaroni is drained, it should be rinsed with cold water until fully cooled before mixing.
How many calories are in one serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are approximately 18.75 grams of protein in each serving of the salad.
What is the total fat content in a serving?
One serving of this salad contains 18.75 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 37.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this salad served hot or cold?
This salad is served chilled, making it perfect for summer picnics or as a refreshing side dish.
Can I adjust the amount of mustard used?
Yes, the recipe suggests 2-3 teaspoons of prepared mustard, but you can adjust it to your personal taste.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
The recipe consists of 10 primary ingredients, including the pasta, shrimp, dressing components, and seasonings.
Is salt added to the dressing?
Salt is added to the salad at the end of the mixing process to taste.
What occasions is this dish suitable for?
It is perfect for summer picnics, light lunches, seafood-themed gatherings, or as a stand-alone meal.
Should the olives be drained before adding?
Yes, the recipe specifies using two 4-ounce cans of sliced olives that have been drained.
How much chili powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of chili powder.
How much Cajun seasoning is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning.
What type of shrimp are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 pound of baby shrimp, which can be fresh or frozen and thawed.
How should the celery and onion be prepared?
The celery should be chopped (1 stalk) and the onion should be finely chopped (2 tablespoons).
Can this be considered a seafood salad?
Yes, it is categorized as a shrimp salad and seafood salad due to the inclusion of baby shrimp.
Is the macaroni cooked specifically to a certain texture?
The instructions recommend cooking the macaroni according to the package directions until it reaches an al dente texture.
What is the primary flavor profile of the salad?
The profile is described as zesty, creamy, and refreshing with a hint of spice from the Cajun seasoning and chili powder.
What type of container should be used for chilling?
The salad should be kept in a covered bowl while refrigerating to keep it fresh.
Can I use different types of olives?
While the recipe calls for sliced olives (typically black olives), you can experiment with other varieties depending on your preference.
Is there any sugar or fiber data available?
Specific values for sugar and fiber were not provided in the original nutrition facts for this recipe.