Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that perfectly balances savory and sweet? Meet the Shrimp Pasta Cookie Salad—a delightful culinary creation that will leave your guests begging for seconds! This unique recipe combines succulent shrimp, al dente pasta, and a surprising twist of cookie crumbles, all tossed together with fresh greens and a zesty dressing. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up this vibrant salad that’s not only a feast for the eyes but also a deliciously satisfying meal. Dive into this recipe and discover how to elevate your salad game like never before!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cookie crumbles
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the pasta. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the 8 oz of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the shrimp. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of mixed greens, 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese, and 1/4 cup of sliced olives. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Pour this dressing over the mixed greens and toss to coat all the ingredients well.
- Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the salad mixture. Gently fold everything together until well combined, being careful not to break the shrimp or pasta.
- Finally, sprinkle 1 cup of cookie crumbles over the top of the salad. This will add a sweet crunch to the dish. Serve immediately and enjoy your Shrimp Pasta Cookie Salad!
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: To achieve the ideal pasta texture, cook it until al dente—firm to the bite. Rinsing it under cold water after cooking helps stop the cooking process and keeps it from becoming mushy.
- Seasoning the Shrimp: Don’t skimp on seasoning! A sprinkle of salt and pepper enhances the natural flavors of the shrimp. For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of paprika or garlic powder.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest mixed greens and cherry tomatoes for the best flavor. You can also experiment with other greens like arugula or spinach for a different taste profile.
- Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to tweak the dressing to your liking. Adding a dash of honey or a sprinkle of herbs can bring a new dimension to the salad.
- Cookie Crumble Variety: Choose your favorite cookie for crumbling—chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, or even ginger snaps can add a delightful twist to the salad.
- Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve the salad right after mixing. The cookie crumbles will stay crunchy and the greens will remain fresh!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 220mg
