Shrimp Pasta Salad with Feta, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Olives
Description
Dive into our favorite pasta salad, overflowing with vibrant flavors and textures that scream summer! This delightful dish features succulent shrimp, creamy feta, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for any occasion. While it can certainly be enjoyed without the shrimp, adding it transforms this salad into a fulfilling and refreshing option that pairs wonderfully with a crusty loaf of bread. The cooking time accounts for a one-hour cooling period and an additional hour of chilling to let those flavors meld beautifully.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (includes cooling and chilling)
Total Time
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Recipe Category
- Cheese
Servings
- Serves: 8
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1/2 cup | Olive oil |
| 3/4 cup | Sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil) |
| 1/4 cup | Capers |
| 2 cloves | Garlic (minced) |
| 4 cups | Cooked shrimp (peeled and deveined) |
| 1 cup | Cherry tomatoes (halved) |
| 1 cup | Feta cheese (crumbled) |
| 12 leaves | Fresh basil (chopped) |
| 8 | Oil-cured black olives (sliced) |
| 1 | Salt (to taste) |
| 1/2 tsp | Black pepper (to taste) |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutritional Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 500.8 |
| Total Fat | 23.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 98.2 mg |
| Sodium | 817.9 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 51 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.4 g |
| Sugars | 5.1 g |
| Protein | 20.8 g |
Instructions
-
Begin by blending the first five ingredients—olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes, capers, and garlic—in a blender or food processor until the sun-dried tomatoes are coarsely chopped and the mixture is well combined.
-
-
In a large bowl, combine the drained, hot pasta with the freshly blended dressing, ensuring each piece of pasta is evenly coated.
-
Toss the pasta mixture thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined, and allow it to cool, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
-
Once cooled, gently fold in the shrimp, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, fresh basil, and oil-cured black olives, mixing until just combined.
-
Season the salad with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference.
-
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least one hour, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Serve chilled, optionally garnished with extra basil or a sprinkle of feta for a lovely presentation.
Enjoy this refreshing and satisfying Shrimp Pasta Salad, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any summer gathering!
