Creamy Shrimp Pasta Salad
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
343 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Salad
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Cuisine
American
Creamy Shrimp Pasta Salad
Description
The Creamy Shrimp Pasta Salad uses short wheat pasta cooked al dente, then cooled under cold water to stop cooking and prevent clumping. The dressing is made by whisking plain Greek yogurt with fresh lemon juice and zest, Old Bay seasoning, chopped chives, salt, and pepper for a flavorful but mild creamy coating. Pre-cooked shrimp cut into bite-size pieces and crab meat are gently folded into the coated pasta along with finely diced celery, which adds a crisp texture and freshness.
This salad delivers a cool and creamy profile highlighted by the citrus notes from lemon and spiced complexity of Old Bay seasoning. The combination of chewy pasta and firm shrimp with crunchy celery results in a balanced mouthfeel. Chilling the salad for 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the overall taste and making it an appealing dish on a warm day.
The recipe recommends choosing any short pasta and suggests lentil pasta for added protein. It also allows substitution of Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives. The salad is served cold and keeps well for a few days refrigerated, making it a convenient make-ahead side or light meal.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces short pasta wheat
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2/3 cup yogurt plain, Greek
- 1 lemon juice & zest of
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 2 tablespoons chives chopped
- salt to your taste
- black pepper to your taste
- 8 ounce crab meat cut into bite-size pieces
- 8 ounce Shrimp cut into bite-size pieces, pre-cooked
- 1/2 cup celery finely diced
Instructions
- Boil the water in a large pot with some 1 teaspoon salt and a drizzle of 1 teaspoon olive oil.
- Add the 8 ounces wheat short pasta, stir well and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes or according to the package directions. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and run under cold water; set aside.
- Meanwhile, in a salad bowl, whisk 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt together with the 1 lemon juice, zest, 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning, 2 tablespoons chopped chives, and salt and pepper. Stir in the pasta and toss to evenly coat.
- Add in the 8 ounce pre-cooked shrimp, 8 ounce crab meat, 1/2 cup celery finely diced, and gently fold. Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper, as needed.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes to chill and allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days; serve cold for best texture.
- Use your preferred short pasta; lentil pasta can add protein.
- Dairy-free yogurt substitutes can be used instead of Greek yogurt to accommodate dietary needs.
- Old Bay seasoning can be homemade by blending paprika, celery salt, celery seed, dry mustard, black pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cayenne powder.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 343 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 343kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 47g | 16% |
| Protein | 34g | 68% |
| Fat | 3g | 5% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 168mg | 56% |
| Sodium | 1523mg | 63% |
| Potassium | 400mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 149IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 22mg | 24% |
| Calcium | 185mg | 19% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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