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.
-
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!