Imagine a pasta salad so incredibly delicious that you won't even miss gluten or dairy - this Pesto Pasta Salad with Shrimp is about to become your new summer obsession! Perfect for health-conscious foodies and flavor enthusiasts, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish that's both nutritious and irresistibly tasty. Whether you're managing dietary restrictions or simply looking for a fresh, vibrant meal, this recipe promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces gluten-free pasta
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (dairy-free)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 ounces of gluten-free pasta, 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp, 1/2 cup of dairy-free basil pesto, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup of toasted pine nuts, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a pinch of salt to the water to enhance the flavor of the pasta.
- Add the gluten-free pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil if desired, then add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet.
- Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will also help cool the pasta for the salad.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled gluten-free pasta, cooked shrimp, halved cherry tomatoes, and dairy-free basil pesto. Gently toss the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the pesto.
- Finally, sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the top of the pasta salad for added crunch and flavor. Toss gently to incorporate.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Serve the pesto pasta salad chilled or at room temperature.
- Enjoy your delicious Gluten and Dairy Free Pesto Pasta Salad with Shrimp!
Tips
- Choose high-quality gluten-free pasta for the best texture and taste
- Toast pine nuts carefully to enhance their nutty flavor without burning
- Use fresh, large shrimp for the most succulent protein
- Chill the pasta before mixing to prevent overcooking and maintain a perfect al dente texture
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh basil leaves or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving
- Make the salad ahead of time - it tastes even better after the flavors have melded together in the refrigerator
- Select a dairy-free pesto that's rich and flavorful to ensure maximum taste impact
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 488kcal
Carbohydrates: 51g
Protein: 33g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 120mg
