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Rotini pasta with shrimp, veggies and avocado.

Shrimp Pasta Salad

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Delicious Shrimp Pasta Salad is a flavorful mix of shrimp, fresh vegetables, and creamy avocado with tri-color rotini, all tossed in a zesty ranch Italian dressing. A light and refreshing side dish or main course option that’s perfect for feeding a crowd!
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 25 minutes
Servings 12 servings
Calories 332
Author Kim

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces Tri-Color Rotini Pasta
  • 3 medium bell peppers diced (I use red, yellow and orange)
  • 1 cup sweet white frozen corn
  • 2 cups diced cucumber
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes cut in half
  • 1 pound cooked, peeled and deveined shrimp* cut in half (frozen and thawed shrimp works great too)
  • 2 medium avocados peeled, seeded and diced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt plus more to taste as desired
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper plus more to taste as desired
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice or to desired taste

For the dressing:

  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/2 cup Italian dressing
  • 2 tablespoons basil pesto
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  • Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
  • While pasta is cooking, prep the veggies by washing and chopping them, and measure out all of the ingredients.
  • Once pasta has cooled, add it along with the bell peppers, corn, cucumber, tomatoes and cooked shrimp to a large bowl. Toss to combine.
  • Make the dressing in a separate medium bowl by whisking all dressing ingredients together. Pour dressing over pasta salad and toss.
  • Add salt and pepper and squeeze in fresh lemon juice. Cover tightly and chill in the refrigerator for 4-6 hours. Mix in avocado just before serving for the freshest results. Serve & enjoy!

Video

Notes

*To cook shrimp: Boil a pot of water, and fill a medium-sized bowl with cold water and ice cubes. Once the water is boiling, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes. Drain the shrimp and add them to the ice bath to stop them from cooking further. Let them cool in there for a few minutes prior to draining them and patting them dry with a paper towel. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 332kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 362mg | Potassium: 547mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1210IU | Vitamin C: 49mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 1mg