Description
This refreshing Dill Shrimp Pasta Salad combines tender cooked shrimp, spiral pasta, and crisp vegetables tossed in a creamy, zesty dill-infused dressing. Perfect for warm-weather gatherings or as a make-ahead meal, this salad is chilled to let the flavors meld beautifully for a light but satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1 1/2 Cups Mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 1/2 Teaspoons Granulated Sugar
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 Teaspoon Pepper
- 5 Tablespoons Chopped Fresh Dill
Salad
- 16 Ounces Spiral Pasta (such as Radiators)
- 1 lb Cooked Shrimp (peeled & deveined)
- 1 Red Bell Pepper, diced
- 3/4 Cup Diced Red Onion
- 1/2 Cup Diced Celery
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the spiral pasta in salted boiling water according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse under cold water to cool and stop the cooking process. Transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the cooked shrimp, diced red bell pepper, diced celery, and diced red onion into the bowl with the cooked pasta. Gently toss to combine.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, granulated sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and shrimp mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure everything is coated evenly. Sprinkle the chopped fresh dill on top and fold it into the salad.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, if the pasta has absorbed too much of the dressing, add an additional 1/4 cup of mayonnaise to achieve a creamier consistency, mixing well.
Notes
- Using cooked shrimp saves time; make sure they are peeled and deveined for best texture.
- Rinsing the pasta under cold water stops cooking and prevents it from sticking together.
- Chilling the salad improves flavor but can be made a few hours ahead for convenience.
- Add extra mayonnaise as needed for creaminess just before serving.
- Fresh dill is key to the vibrant flavor profile; dried dill can be substituted but in lesser quantity.
