Orzo Tarragon Shrimp Salad
Cook Time: 2 hours
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Description
Welcome to summer on a plate with this delightful Orzo Tarragon Shrimp Salad! This recipe combines the best elements of several classic salads into a refreshing, zesty dish that captures the essence of the season. The key to its distinctive flavor lies in the fresh tarragon and the light Miracle Whip, which together create a creamy yet light dressing. Don’t even think about substituting or skipping these ingredients—doing so would lead to a completely different salad. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch or a side dish at a family gathering, this salad is sure to be a hit. Your friends and family will rave about the vibrant flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces orzo pasta
- 1 cup rosamarina pasta
- 12 ounces frozen asparagus, thawed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and cooked
- 1/2 cup shredded carrot
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 3/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup fresh tarragon, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickles, chopped
- 1/2 cup Miracle Whip Light
- 1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the orzo and rosamarina pasta according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once cooked, rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and drain thoroughly.
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Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Miracle Whip Light, lemon juice, finely chopped tarragon, chopped sweet pickles, and grated Romano cheese. Stir the mixture until everything is well combined and the dressing is smooth.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, thawed asparagus, cooked shrimp, shredded carrot, chopped celery, and finely chopped red onion to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
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Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
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Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish the salad with quartered cherry tomatoes and sprinkle additional grated Romano cheese on top for an extra burst of flavor.
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Notes: For a variation, consider substituting chicken for the shrimp or using broccoli or pea pods instead of asparagus—both are budget-friendly options. Adjust the quantities of Miracle Whip, onions, celery, carrots, and tarragon to suit your taste preferences. If making the salad a day in advance, you might want to add a bit more Miracle Whip before garnishing to ensure the salad remains creamy. The serving size can vary from 4 to 10 depending on whether it’s served as a side dish or a main course, and how much other food is being served alongside it.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 587.3
- Fat Content: 19.9 grams
- Saturated Fat Content: 4.1 grams
- Cholesterol Content: 101 mg
- Sodium Content: 1167.7 mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 78.1 grams
- Fiber Content: 4.6 grams
- Sugar Content: 13.5 grams
- Protein Content: 22.9 grams
Enjoy the blend of summer flavors in this Orzo Tarragon Shrimp Salad, perfect for a picnic, potluck, or a simple, satisfying meal at home! 🌞🥗🍤
