Zesty Lemon Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta Salad
This vibrant Zesty Lemon Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta Salad is a refreshing twist on a classic dish, perfect for warm days or light lunches. With the delightful flavors of tender pasta paired with succulent shrimp, crisp asparagus, and juicy cherry tomatoes, this salad bursts with freshness in every bite. Tossed in a light zesty Italian dressing with a hint of lemon peel and oregano, it’s an easy-to-make dish that's equally enjoyable as a side or a main course. Top it off with KRAFT Reduced Fat Colby & Monterey Jack Cheese Crumbles for an extra touch of creamy goodness. Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or simple meal prep, this salad will become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
bow tie pasta
3 cups (uncooked)
fresh asparagus spears
1 lb (cut into 2-inch lengths)
KRAFT light zesty reduced-fat Italian salad dressing
1 cup
dried oregano leaves
1 teaspoon
grated lemon peel
1 teaspoon
cooked large shrimp
1 lb ((20 to 25 count))
halved cherry tomatoes
1 cup
KRAFT Reduced Fat Colby & Monterey Jack Cheese Crumbles
1 cup
Instructions
1
1. Cook the bow tie pasta according to the package directions. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the asparagus to the boiling water. Once the pasta is al dente, drain and rinse under cold water until cooled; drain well.
2
2. While the pasta and asparagus are cooking, prepare the dressing by whisking together the KRAFT light zesty reduced-fat Italian salad dressing, dried oregano leaves, and grated lemon peel in a small bowl until well combined.
3
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta and asparagus with the dressing mixture, large cooked shrimp, halved cherry tomatoes, and KRAFT Reduced Fat Colby & Monterey Jack Cheese Crumbles. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
4
4. Serve the salad immediately for the best texture and flavor, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Zesty Lemon Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta Salad.
What kind of pasta is used in this salad?
This salad uses 3 cups of uncooked bow tie pasta.
How should the asparagus be prepared?
The asparagus should be cut into 2-inch lengths.
When should I add the asparagus to the cooking process?
Add the asparagus to the boiling water during the last 3 minutes of the pasta's cooking time.
What specific salad dressing is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of KRAFT light zesty reduced-fat Italian salad dressing.
What herbs are used to season the dressing?
One teaspoon of dried oregano leaves is added to the dressing mixture.
Does this recipe include lemon?
Yes, it uses 1 teaspoon of grated lemon peel for a zesty flavor.
What size shrimp should be used?
Large cooked shrimp (20 to 25 count) are used for this recipe.
How are the cherry tomatoes prepared?
The cherry tomatoes should be halved before being added to the salad.
What kind of cheese is added to the salad?
The recipe uses KRAFT Reduced Fat Colby & Monterey Jack Cheese Crumbles.
How much cheese is required?
You will need 1 cup of cheese crumbles.
How much shrimp is needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 lb of cooked large shrimp.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients listed in this recipe.
Should the pasta be served hot or cold?
The pasta should be rinsed under cold water and served as a cold salad.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can cover and refrigerate the salad for up to 2 hours before serving.
Why would I refrigerate the salad for 2 hours?
Refrigerating allows the flavors of the dressing and ingredients to meld together.
What is the desired texture for the pasta?
The pasta should be cooked until it is al dente.
Is this dish better as a side or a main course?
It can be enjoyed as both a refreshing side dish or a light main course.
Is this salad suitable for barbecues or picnics?
Yes, it is described as an ideal dish for picnics, barbecues, or simple meal prep.
How do I mix the dressing?
Whisk the Italian dressing, dried oregano, and grated lemon peel in a small bowl until well combined.
What step follows rinsing the pasta?
After rinsing, you must drain the pasta well before combining it with other ingredients.
How should I toss the ingredients together?
Gently toss all ingredients together in a large mixing bowl until they are evenly coated.
Does the recipe use full-fat cheese?
No, it specifically calls for KRAFT Reduced Fat Colby & Monterey Jack Cheese Crumbles.
How much asparagus is needed?
The recipe requires 1 lb of fresh asparagus spears.
Is the shrimp cooked during the pasta boiling process?
No, the shrimp used in this recipe is already cooked.
What flavor profile does the dressing have?
The dressing is described as light and zesty with hints of lemon and oregano.
Can I use any type of tomato?
The recipe specifically recommends 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes for their juice and freshness.
Is this a complex recipe to make?
No, it is described as an easy-to-make dish that is perfect for meal prep.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as a pasta salad.
How much dressing is used in total?
The recipe uses 1 cup of the prepared dressing mixture.