Pasta Salad with Shrimp and Caesar Dressing

Pasta Salad with Shrimp and Caesar Dressing: A Refreshing Twist on a Classic

Pasta salad is a staple at many gatherings, but have you ever considered giving it a luxurious twist with shrimp and a homemade Caesar dressing? This recipe not only elevates a simple dish but also adds a touch of elegance, making it perfect for both casual and more formal occasions.

Ingredients:

• Pasta and Salad:
  • 250 grams of small dried pasta (e.g., Lumachine)
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, finely sliced
  • 100 grams cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 125 grams mozzarella, diced
  • 1 tbsp chopped frozen parsley
  • 100 grams cooked, peeled shrimp
• Caesar Dressing:
  • 40 grams lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 6 anchovy fillets in oil
  • 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped
  • 35 grams grated Parmesan
  • 20 grams mustard
  • Freshly ground pepper
  • A pinch of sea salt
  • 30 grams olive oil
  • 110 grams light cream (4% fat)

Directions:

1. Prepare the Pasta:
   • Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This ensures your pasta remains firm and chilled, perfect for a salad. Transfer to a large salad bowl.
2. Make the Caesar Dressing:
   • In a blender, combine lemon juice, peeled garlic cloves, anchovy fillets, chopped hard-boiled egg, grated Parmesan, mustard, pepper, salt, and cream. Blend until smooth. This homemade Caesar dressing is creamy, tangy, and utterly delicious. Chill the dressing in the refrigerator to meld the flavors.
3. Assemble the Salad:
   • To the salad bowl with the pasta, add the diced yellow bell pepper, sliced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, diced mozzarella, chopped parsley, most of the cooked shrimp (reserve some for garnish), and chopped eggs.
   • Pour about 200 grams of the Caesar dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well coated. The dressing should lightly coat every ingredient, enhancing but not overpowering the fresh flavors.
4. Garnish and Chill:
   • Garnish the top of the salad with the reserved shrimp, adding a touch of sophistication. Refrigerate the salad for about 1 hour before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to blend beautifully and the salad to be served cool, which is especially refreshing on warm days.

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes + chilling
• Calories: Approx 600 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4

This Pasta Salad with Shrimp and Caesar Dressing is not only a treat to the eyes but also a feast of flavors. It’s perfect for anyone looking to impress at a potluck or enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal at home. The combination of creamy dressing, succulent shrimp, and crisp vegetables offers a delightful texture and taste that’s sure to please any palate. Enjoy this delightful twist on a classic!