Imagine a perfect blend of vibrant flavors and textures that transport you straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of Italy - this Pesto Shrimp Linguine Salad is not just a meal, it's a culinary adventure! Packed with succulent shrimp, fresh spinach, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a luxurious pesto sauce, this dish is your ticket to an instant flavor paradise that can be prepared in just 25 minutes. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to wow your guests, this recipe is about to become your new summer obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Linguine pasta
- Cooked shrimp
- Pesto sauce
- Cherry tomatoes
- Spinach
- Parmesan cheese
- Pine nuts
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add linguine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Rinse cooked shrimp and pat dry with paper towels. Halve the cherry tomatoes and roughly chop fresh spinach leaves.
- Drain the cooked linguine in a colander, then immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down for a salad-style dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled linguine, cooked shrimp, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped spinach.
- Add prepared pesto sauce to the bowl, tossing gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated and distributed.
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the salad and toast pine nuts in a dry skillet until golden brown, then add them to the mixture.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld together and serve chilled.
- Before serving, give the salad a final gentle toss and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use freshly cooked or high-quality pre-cooked shrimp and ensure they're thoroughly dried before mixing.
- Toast pine nuts carefully - they can burn quickly, so keep a close eye and stir frequently.
- Rinse pasta with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent overcooking.
- Allow the salad to chill for at least 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld together perfectly.
- Use homemade or high-quality store-bought pesto for the best taste experience.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute some of the pesto with fresh herbs and a splash of olive oil.
- Always season to taste just before serving and don't be afraid to add a little extra Parmesan cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 538kcal
Carbohydrates: 53g
Protein: 32g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 171mg
