Craving a dish that screams summer, flavor, and pure culinary magic? Look no further than this mouthwatering Italian Cold Spaghetti Salad with Shrimp! Imagine a perfect blend of al dente pasta, succulent shrimp, and crisp vegetables, all dancing together in a zesty Italian dressing. This no-cook (well, almost!) recipe is your ticket to an instant crowd-pleaser that will have everyone begging for seconds. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, planning a picnic, or simply want to escape the kitchen heat, this refreshing salad is about to become your new warm-weather obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb shrimp, cooked and peeled
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of spaghetti, 1 lb of cooked and peeled shrimp, 1 cup of diced bell peppers, 1/2 cup of diced red onion, 1/2 cup of Italian dressing, 1/4 cup of chopped parsley, 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 generous pinch of salt to the water.
- Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, prepare your vegetables. Wash and dice the bell peppers into small pieces and finely chop the red onion.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold running water to cool it down quickly and stop the cooking process. Allow it to drain thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled spaghetti, cooked shrimp, diced bell peppers, and diced red onion.
- Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss everything together until well combined.
- Add the chopped parsley to the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss again to incorporate the parsley and seasoning evenly.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a final toss and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or a light main course.
Tips
- Pasta Perfection: Always cook spaghetti al dente and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This prevents mushy pasta and helps the salad stay fresh.
- Shrimp Selection: Use pre-cooked shrimp to save time, or quickly boil fresh shrimp and chill them before adding to the salad.
- Flavor Boost: Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 15-30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or cucumbers, or swap Italian dressing with a homemade vinaigrette.
- Make Ahead Magic: This salad can be prepared a day in advance, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 451kcal
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 32g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 120mg
