Zesty Pasta Salad with Shrimp and Caesar Dressing Recipe

Delectable pasta salad brings together succulent seafood and creamy dressing in a refreshing culinary experience.

Summer gatherings call for light, elegant dishes that satisfy without heavy complexity.

Cool ingredients upgrade ordinary meals into memorable moments shared with friends and family.

Crisp textures and bold flavors dance across your palate, creating an instant connection to coastal cuisine.

Mediterranean-inspired combinations elevate simple ingredients into something extraordinary and crave-worthy.

Zesty notes complement the tender protein, making each bite a delightful sensory journey.

Quick to assemble and stunning to serve, this dish promises to become a go-to recipe for effortless entertaining.

Ingredients to Assemble a Shrimp Caesar Pasta Salad

• Small Dried Pasta: Short, curvy pasta perfect for catching dressing and holding ingredients well, with Lumachine providing great texture.
• Shrimp: Fresh, succulent seafood protein that adds a light, sweet marine flavor to the salad.
• Mozzarella: Soft, creamy cheese that provides a mild, milky contrast to the other ingredients.

• Yellow Bell Pepper: Crisp vegetable with sweet, mild flavor that adds bright color and crunchy texture.
• Red Onion: Sharp, pungent ingredient that provides a slight bite and aromatic kick to the salad.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy, sweet miniature tomatoes that burst with fresh flavor and add vibrant color.
• Frozen Parsley: Convenient herb that brings a fresh, green note and light herbal taste to the dish.

• Eggs: Rich, creamy protein that adds texture and helps bind the salad components together.
• Lemon Juice: Tangy, acidic ingredient that brightens the overall flavor profile.
• Garlic: Pungent, aromatic ingredient that provides depth and classic Caesar dressing flavor.
• Anchovy Fillets: Salty, umami-rich fish that gives the dressing its signature deep flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Hard, salty cheese that adds intense savory notes to the dressing.
• Mustard: Tangy condiment that helps emulsify and add complexity to the dressing.
• Olive Oil: Smooth, fruity oil that creates a rich base for the dressing.
• Light Cream: Creamy ingredient that add more flavor.

How to Prep, Chill, and Toss This Creamy Pasta Dish

Step 1: Boil and Cool Pasta

Cook pasta in salted water until perfectly tender. Drain immediately and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Transfer pasta to a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Create Creamy Caesar Dressing

• Fresh lemon juice
• Peeled garlic
• Anchovy fillets
• Boiled egg
• Grated Parmesan
• Mustard
• Pepper
• Salt
• Heavy cream

Blend until smooth and silky. Refrigerate to let flavors mingle.

Step 3: Chop and Prepare Vegetables

Dice bell pepper, slice red onion, halve cherry tomatoes, and chop parsley. Cut mozzarella into small cubes.

Step 4: Cook and Prepare Shrimp

Quickly sauté shrimp until pink and tender. Let cool slightly.

Step 5: Combine Salad Components

Add prepared vegetables, most of the shrimp, chopped eggs, and parsley to pasta. Pour Caesar dressing and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

Step 6: Chill and Garnish

Refrigerate salad for one hour. Before serving, top with reserved shrimp and extra parsley.

• Use fresh ingredients for best flavor
• Don't overcook pasta or shrimp
• Adjust dressing to taste
• Can be stored in refrigerator for 2 days

Nutritional Highlights:

Protein-packed, refreshing, and perfect for summer gatherings. Each serving provides balanced nutrition with lean protein, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve chilled as a main dish or side. Pairs wonderfully with white wine or sparkling water.

Enjoy your delicious pasta adventure!

Tips for Juicy Shrimp and Caesar Dressing That Clings Just Right

• Perfectly Cook Pasta: Select short pasta like rotini or penne that catches dressing easily, and cook just until al dente to maintain a firm texture without becoming mushy.
• Maximize Dressing Flavor: Prepare Caesar dressing at least 30 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to blend and develop deeper, more complex taste profiles.
• Chill Strategically: Refrigerate salad for exactly one hour before serving to let flavors meld while keeping vegetables crisp and shrimp tender.
• Season Thoughtfully: Salt shrimp lightly before cooking and taste dressing before adding to ensure balanced, not overpowering seasoning.
• Prevent Soggy Salad: Add dressing gradually and reserve some on the side, allowing guests to add extra if desired and preventing ingredients from becoming waterlogged.

Keep This Salad Fresh with These Easy Storage Ideas

• Refrigerate: Transfer remaining pasta salad into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to maintain the salad's crisp texture.
• Drain Excess Liquid: Before serving leftovers, gently drain any accumulated liquid and give the salad a quick toss to redistribute the dressing and ingredients evenly.
• Refresh: If the pasta seems dry, add a small splash of Caesar dressing or olive oil to revive the flavors and restore moisture. Avoid reheating, as this dish is best enjoyed cold and will lose its delicate texture when warmed.

Serve This Shrimp Caesar Dish Alongside These Tasty Additions

• Sip Crisp White Wine: Pair this shrimp pasta salad with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These light, zesty wines complement the tangy Caesar dressing and enhance the delicate shrimp flavor perfectly.
• Crunch with Garlic Bread: Serve alongside toasted garlic bread or crusty baguette slices. The warm, crispy bread provides a delightful contrast to the cool pasta salad and helps soak up the extra creamy dressing.
• Elevate with Sparkling Water: Add a refreshing twist by serving sparkling water with a slice of lemon. The bubbly, citrusy drink cuts through the richness of the Caesar dressing and cleanses the palate between bites.
• Cool with Chardonnay: For wine lovers seeking a fuller-bodied option, an oaked Chardonnay works wonderfully. Its buttery notes harmonize with the creamy dressing and add depth to the overall dining experience.

Flavor Add-Ins and Swaps to Mix Up Your Pasta Salad Game

• Mediterranean Makeover: Swap shrimp with grilled calamari and add kalamata olives, feta cheese, and fresh oregano for a Greek-inspired version that transports your taste buds to the Aegean coast.
• Spicy Southwestern Spin: Replace Caesar dressing with a chipotle-lime vinaigrette, add black beans, corn kernels, and swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, southwestern-style pasta salad with a kick.
• Veggie Lover's Remix: Transform the recipe into a vegetarian option by substituting shrimp with roasted chickpeas, adding grilled zucchini, roasted red peppers, and artichoke hearts for a protein-packed, nutrient-rich alternative that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Pesto Paradise: Introduce a vibrant green pesto instead of Caesar dressing, incorporate sundried tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, and swap shrimp for grilled chicken to craft a herbaceous, summery pasta salad that celebrates fresh, garden-inspired ingredients.

Pasta Salad with Shrimp and Caesar Dressing That’s Light and Satisfying

• Craft a Gourmet Meal in Minutes: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish in just 30 minutes, making sophisticated cooking accessible to home chefs without extensive culinary skills.
• Burst with Fresh, Vibrant Flavors: The combination of tangy Caesar dressing, sweet shrimp, and crisp vegetables creates a symphony of tastes that dance on your palate, offering a refreshing and satisfying eating experience.
• Perfect Summer Entertaining Solution: Designed to be served chilled and prepared ahead of time, this pasta salad is an ideal dish for picnics, potlucks, and outdoor gatherings, letting you spend more time with guests and less time in the kitchen.
• Customize Your Culinary Creation: The recipe's flexible nature allows easy ingredient swaps or additions, making it adaptable to dietary preferences and what's available in your pantry or refrigerator.

Pasta Salad with Shrimp and Caesar Dressing Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Summer’s favorite pasta salad brings Italian coastal charm to your table. Succulent shrimp and crisp romaine tangle with creamy caesar dressing, creating a refreshing Mediterranean-inspired dish perfect for picnics and light dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Seafood:

• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) cooked, peeled shrimp
• 250 grams (8.8 ounces) small dried pasta (e.g., Lumachine)

Cheese and Proteins:

• 125 grams (4.4 ounces) mozzarella, diced
• 35 grams (1.2 ounces) grated Parmesan
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• ½ red onion, finely sliced
• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 tablespoon chopped frozen parsley

Dressing Ingredients:

• 40 grams (1.4 ounces) lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic
• 6 anchovy fillets in oil
• 20 grams (0.7 ounces) mustard
• Freshly ground pepper
• 1 pinch of sea salt
• 30 grams (1 ounce) olive oil
• 110 grams (3.9 ounces) light cream (4% fat)

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta in generously salted water until it reaches al dente texture, then immediately transfer to an ice bath to halt cooking and preserve its firm consistency. Drain thoroughly and place in a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Create the Caesar dressing by blending lemon juice, roasted garlic, anchovy paste, hardboiled egg, premium Parmesan, Dijon mustard, cracked pepper, sea salt, and heavy cream until achieving a silky, uniform texture.
3. Prepare vegetable components by finely dicing yellow bell pepper, thinly slicing red onion, halving cherry tomatoes, and chopping fresh parsley with precision.
4. Cube mozzarella into small, uniform pieces and slice most of the cooked shrimp, reserving several whole pieces for elegant presentation.
5. Combine pasta with diced vegetables, mozzarella cubes, chopped parsley, and sliced shrimp in the mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
6. Drizzle the handcrafted Caesar dressing over the salad, gently folding to coat each ingredient without crushing delicate components.
7. Strategically arrange whole shrimp on top of the salad for visual appeal and added texture.
8. Refrigerate the assembled salad for 60-90 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and develop a harmonious taste profile.
9. Before serving, give the salad a final gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and ensure optimal flavor integration.

Notes

• Chilling the salad lets flavors mingle and intensify, creating a more complex taste profile.
• Garnishing with reserved shrimp adds a professional touch and visual appeal to the dish.
• Blending fresh ingredients ensures a vibrant, zesty Caesar dressing that elevates the entire pasta salad experience.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg