Shrimp Pasta Salad with Asparagus

Shrimp Pasta Salad with Asparagus reminds me of a spontaneous dinner I threw together after a long day at the farmer’s market because I came home with fresh asparagus and juicy cherry tomatoes so I decided to toss them with some shrimp and pasta and what I ended up creating became an instant hit at my dinner table and a recipe I knew I had to share. I love how quickly it all comes together and how each ingredient adds its own character and it feels like a little celebration of freshness in every forkful and I still remember the way my friends raved about it that evening.

Ever since that impromptu dinner, this salad has become my go-to when I want something light yet satisfying because the shrimp adds a tender, savory bite and the asparagus brings a bright green snap and the tomatoes add sweetness while the pasta holds everything together beautifully and the simple lemony dressing ties all the flavors so effortlessly and I always find myself making extra just so I can enjoy it again the next day.

Ingredients

• Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
• Shrimp – Juicy and tender, they add protein and a sweet, briny flavor.
• Pasta (like fettuccine or linguine) – The base that soaks up all the flavors and makes it hearty.
• Asparagus – Adds a crisp, fresh element and beautiful green color.
• Cherry tomatoes – Sweet, juicy bursts that balance the savory ingredients.
• Olive oil – Helps coat the pasta and adds richness to the dressing.
• Lemon juice – Brings bright acidity and freshness to the dish.
• Fresh parsley – For a pop of herbal flavor and vibrant color.
• Garlic – Infuses a warm, aromatic note throughout the salad.
• Salt and black pepper – Essential to enhance all the flavors.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot – For boiling the pasta perfectly.
• Colander – To drain the pasta and quickly rinse if needed.
• Large skillet – For sautéing the shrimp and asparagus evenly.
• Cutting board – For prepping vegetables and herbs safely.
• Sharp knife – To make clean, quick cuts through veggies and herbs.
• Mixing bowl – To toss everything together with the dressing.
• Tongs or salad servers – To gently mix and serve without breaking the pasta.

Instructions

Step 1

I start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, I trim the woody ends off the asparagus and cut them into bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly and evenly.

Step 3

Once the pasta is nearly done, I add the asparagus to the pot for the last 2 minutes so they become tender but still crisp.

Step 4

I drain the pasta and asparagus together and set them aside.

Step 5

In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until it becomes fragrant but not browned.

Step 6

Then, I add the shrimp and cook them for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.

Step 7

I toss the cooked pasta and asparagus into the skillet with the shrimp so everything gets coated in that garlicky oil.

Step 8

I add the halved cherry tomatoes and toss them just until they’re slightly warmed through but still juicy and fresh.

Step 9

After removing the skillet from the heat, I drizzle in fresh lemon juice and sprinkle chopped parsley, tossing everything gently one last time.

Step 10

Finally, I season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper before serving immediately or slightly warm.

Tips

If you want to make this extra refreshing, I suggest chilling the pasta after cooking and serving the dish cold for a summer pasta salad vibe. I also like to add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a few chili flakes for a little kick. For extra lemony brightness, I sometimes add lemon zest along with the juice.

Ways to Serve

I love serving this Shrimp Pasta Salad with Asparagus as a main dish on warm evenings, but it also works beautifully as a side at a barbecue or picnic. You can pair it with crusty bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal. It also makes a great light lunch to pack for work or a picnic by the beach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Shrimp Pasta Salad with Asparagus ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it a few hours in advance and serve it cold or at room temperature, but I recommend adding the lemon juice and parsley just before serving for the freshest flavor.

What pasta works best for Shrimp Pasta Salad with Asparagus?

I prefer fettuccine or linguine, but you can use any pasta you love, even short shapes like penne or fusilli.

Can I substitute the shrimp in Shrimp Pasta Salad with Asparagus?

Absolutely! You can use grilled chicken, scallops, or even tofu if you’d like a vegetarian option.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this Shrimp Pasta Salad with Asparagus a try! It’s a recipe that always makes me feel like I’m on a sunny patio with friends, and I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Please leave a comment or share your photos if you make it! And if you enjoyed this dish, don’t forget to save it for your next light and fresh dinner.

Happy Cooking!

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