Description
A refreshing Greek Shrimp Pasta Salad combining al dente penne, tender shrimp, fresh vegetables, and vibrant herbs, all tossed in a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a summery side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Shrimp
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1.5 pounds large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 12 ounces cucumber, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 10 black olives (e.g., Kalamata), pitted
- 1/4 cup fresh oregano, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing
- 0.75 cup extra virgin olive oil (divided: 2 tablespoons for pasta, remaining for dressing)
- 0.5 cup fresh lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and, while still warm, toss it with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Cook the Shrimp: In the same or a separate pot, bring salted water to boil. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn just pink and opaque. Immediately drain and transfer the shrimp to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process and maintain tenderness.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, fresh lemon juice, chopped oregano, chopped parsley, optional minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This dressing will provide a fresh and zesty flavor to the salad.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chilled shrimp, halved cherry tomatoes, peeled and chopped cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and pitted black olives. Pour the prepared dressing over the mixture.
- Chill: Gently toss all ingredients together to ensure even coating of the dressing. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and serve chilled for best taste.
Notes
- For added flavor, marinate the shrimp briefly before cooking or grill them for a smoky twist.
- Make sure to chill the salad well before serving to enhance the refreshing taste.
- Optional garlic in the dressing can be omitted for a milder flavor.
- Use gluten-free pasta if desired to make the recipe gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Keywords: Greek Shrimp Pasta Salad, Mediterranean pasta salad, shrimp salad, lemon olive oil dressing, summer salad
