This beginner-friendly pesto pasta shrimp salad recipe combines tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and vibrant pesto in just three simple steps. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (e.g., fusilli or penne)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce (store-bought for ease)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Cook Pasta and Shrimp
Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare Pesto Dressing
In a bowl, mix pesto sauce, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth. This creates the base dressing for the salad.
Step 3: Assemble Salad
Combine cooked pasta, shrimp, cherry tomatoes, and basil in a large bowl. Pour pesto dressing over and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tip: Always chill salad for 10 minutes before serving to enhance flavors. For a lighter version, use whole-wheat pasta and omit extra salt.
