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Simple Shrimp Pasta Salad With Ranch Dressing

A vibrant pasta salad combining succulent shrimp, tender pasta, crisp veggies, and creamy ranch dressing, perfect for family gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Shrimp
  • 8 oz pasta (any shape you prefer; fusilli or rotini work well)
  • 1 lb shrimp, cooked and peeled
Vegetables
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, diced
Dressing
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
  2. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Preparing the Vegetables
  1. While your pasta is cooling, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion into bite-sized pieces.
Combining Salad Ingredients
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked shrimp, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
Adding Dressing
  1. Drizzle the ranch dressing over the salad mixture. Toss it gently until everything is well-coated.
  2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnishing and Serving
  1. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color. Serve immediately or chill for about 30 minutes if you prefer it cold.

Notes

Substitutions: Swap shrimp for cooked chicken or another protein. Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. Avoid too much dressing to maintain balance in flavors.