30-Minute Shrimp Pesto Pasta Salad: Fresh & Flavorful!

Imagine a colorful bowl of shrimp pesto pasta salad, drizzled with zesty lemon and sprinkled with fresh basil. The vibrant colors dance together like a summer party on your plate. Each bite bursts with flavor, the tender shrimp intertwined with perfectly cooked pasta, all coated in creamy pesto that hugs every morsel. This dish is not just food; it’s an experience that transports you to sun-soaked Mediterranean beaches.

Now picture this: you’ve had a long day at work, and all you want is a meal that feels fancy without requiring a culinary degree or three hours of your life. Enter the 30 Minute Shrimp Pesto Pasta Salad, fresh, flavorful, and utterly perfect for busy days. It’s an instant win that’ll have your taste buds singing and your stress melting away.

I once served this delightful pasta salad at a family gathering, and my cousin declared it “life-changing.” Who knew shrimp and pesto could inspire such enthusiasm?

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pasta: Use your favorite type—fusilli or penne works well—just ensure it’s al dente for the best texture.

• Fresh Shrimp: Opt for large, peeled shrimp; they cook quickly and absorb flavors beautifully.

• Pesto Sauce: Homemade or store-bought works; just make sure it’s packed with fresh basil for authentic flavor.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Halved for sweetness and color; they add a juicy pop that brightens the dish.

• Fresh Basil: Chopped leaves elevate the flavor profile and enhance the visual appeal.

• Lemon Juice: A squeeze adds freshness and balances the richness of the pesto.

• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for drizzling—it adds depth and richness.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance flavor; adjust according to your preference.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 7-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Shrimp: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, toss in the shrimp seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.

Add Pesto and Mix It Up: Once shrimp are cooked, reduce heat to low. Add pesto sauce into the skillet, stirring gently until combined with shrimp. The aroma should be heavenly!

Toss in Veggies: Incorporate halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet along with cooked pasta. Gently mix until everything is evenly coated in that glorious green pesto.

Finish with Freshness: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta salad along with chopped basil. Toss everything again to ensure each bite bursts with flavor.

Serve Warm or Chill: You can serve this dish warm right away or let it chill for 30 minutes in the fridge if you prefer a cold salad option.

Enjoy this delightful combination of flavors!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling your pasta while sautéing shrimp in olive oil. Once cooked, mix everything with pesto for a quick finish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap shrimp for chicken or add any veggies you have lying around. Extra cheese never hurts either!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid mushy pasta.

Creating this 30 Minute Shrimp Pesto Pasta Salad reminds me of those chaotic weeknights when everyone’s hungry, but I’m just out of ideas. Once, my friend exclaimed it was “better than takeout,” which made me do a little happy dance in my kitchen!

FAQ

Can I make this shrimp pesto pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, prepare it a few hours in advance and refrigerate until serving.

What can I substitute if I don’t have pesto?

You can use store-bought sauces or even homemade garlic butter for flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

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30-Minute Shrimp Pesto Pasta Salad

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Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this 30-Minute Shrimp Pesto Pasta Salad, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and fresh vegetables are coated in a creamy pesto sauce, all elevated by a zesty lemon twist. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an explosion of color and flavor that brings the taste of the Mediterranean right to your table.

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

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• 8 oz fusilli pasta
• 1 lb large peeled shrimp
• 1 cup pesto sauce
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente (7-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Season shrimp with salt and pepper; cook until pink and opaque (3-4 minutes).
3. Reduce heat to low, add pesto to the skillet, and stir until combined with shrimp.
4. Add halved cherry tomatoes and cooked pasta; mix gently until everything is coated with pesto.
5. Squeeze lemon juice over the salad and toss in chopped basil.
6. Serve warm or chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.

• Author: DANIEL LAWSON
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (250g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 200mg