Shrimp Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
15 mins
-
Cook Time
10 mins
-
Total Time
25 mins
-
Servings
8 servings
-
Calories
384 kcal
-
Course
Salad
-
Cuisine
North American
Shrimp Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe
Description
The Shrimp Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe highlights lightly spiced shrimp cooked in olive oil with paprika and Italian seasoning, finished with fresh lemon juice for brightness. The rotini pasta is cooked and cooled, then tossed with crisp romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, crunchy croutons, grated Parmesan, and a classic Caesar dressing. The combination of chilled pasta and fresh vegetables with warm shrimp brings contrast in temperature and texture, offering a flavorful salad that is hearty yet refreshing.
This salad works well as a main dish for lunch or a side for dinner, particularly when you want something that balances protein and vegetables in one bowl. The familiar Caesar components make it approachable while the addition of shrimp adds a seafood twist that increases its appeal and nutritional value.
Using either homemade or store-bought Caesar dressing is possible, allowing flexibility in preparation. The recipe suggests draining and rinsing pasta under cold water to stop cooking and cool it quickly, which helps maintain the pasta’s firmness and temperature for a salad. Assembling just before serving preserves the crispness of lettuce and croutons.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb Shrimp dried with paper towels
- 1 teaspoon paprika sweet
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt sea salt
- ½ lemon
- 4 cups romaine lettuce chopped, hearts
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomato cut in half
- 1 cup croutons
- 1 cup caesar salad dressing
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese grated
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the rotini and cook according to the package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water until completely cool.
- Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Once it's hot, add the shrimp, paprika, Italian seasoning, and salt and stir well. Cook the shrimp for 2 minutes then remove the pan from the heat and squeeze the lemon juice over the top.
- Add the cooked and cooled pasta, the cooked shrimp, romaine, cherry tomatoes, croutons, and parmesan to a large salad bowl. Pour the dressing over top and toss to coat.
Notes
- Store-bought Caesar dressing can be substituted for homemade for convenience.
- Dry shrimp thoroughly with paper towels before cooking to get a good sear.
- Cool pasta under cold water after cooking to prevent it from overcooking and ensure the salad stays crisp.
- Toss the salad just before serving to keep croutons crunchy and lettuce fresh.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 384 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 cup | |
| Calories | 384kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 29g | 10% |
| Protein | 19g | 38% |
| Fat | 22g | 34% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 10g | 59% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 108mg | 36% |
| Sodium | 712mg | 30% |
| Potassium | 406mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 3465IU | 69% |
| Vitamin C | 11mg | 12% |
| Calcium | 136mg | 14% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
