Imagine a dish that transports you to a beachside paradise with every single bite - our Shrimp and Fruit Pasta Salad is exactly that culinary escape! This isn't just another boring pasta recipe; it's a vibrant, flavor-packed adventure that combines succulent shrimp, sweet tropical fruits, and a zesty dressing that will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for summer gatherings, quick lunches, or when you're craving something extraordinary, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience that looks like it came straight from a five-star restaurant kitchen.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta, cooked and drained
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup pineapple, diced
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop cooking process. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare shrimp by peeling and deveining if not already done. Season shrimp lightly with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are fully cooked. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Dice pineapple into small, uniform cubes. Hull and slice strawberries into thin pieces.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and lemon juice to create a creamy dressing. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- In a large serving bowl, combine cooled pasta, cooked shrimp, diced pineapple, and sliced strawberries.
- Pour the mayonnaise-lemon dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Refrigerate the salad for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Garnish with additional fresh herbs like mint or basil if desired, and serve chilled.
Tips
- For the most tender shrimp, avoid overcooking. They should turn pink and slightly curl - about 2-3 minutes per side is perfect.
- Use cold pasta and chilled ingredients to keep the salad refreshing and prevent the mayonnaise from breaking.
- Choose ripe, sweet fruits for maximum flavor contrast. If strawberries aren't in season, try mango or mandarin oranges as delicious alternatives.
- For extra flavor depth, consider toasting some sliced almonds or adding fresh mint leaves as a garnish.
- Make this salad ahead of time - it actually tastes better after the flavors meld in the refrigerator for a few hours.
- Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the dressing to give it a bright, authentic taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 54g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 150mg
