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Simple Shrimp Pasta Salad With Ranch Dressing

A quick and flavorful shrimp pasta salad dressed with creamy ranch, perfect for gatherings or a satisfying meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Shrimp
  • 8 oz pasta (any shape) Use your favorite type of pasta
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined Fresh or frozen with tails removed
Veggies
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved For a sweet and refreshing bite
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, diced Add crunch and freshness
  • 1/4 cup red onion, diced Adds a mild onion flavor
Dressing
  • 1 cup ranch dressing Use your preferred brand or homemade
  • to taste Salt and pepper Adjust based on your preference
Serving
  • as needed Lemon wedges For garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of oil and then the shrimp. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until shrimp are pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and red onion.
Combining
  1. Add the cooled pasta and shrimp to the mixing bowl. Pour in the ranch dressing and toss everything together until fully coated.
  2. Give your salad a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Serving
  1. Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

For an added flavor punch, marinate the shrimp in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before cooking. Make this salad in advance to allow the flavors to meld. It can be made a day ahead – just add the dressing right before serving to keep the pasta from getting soggy. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Best not to mix in the dressing until just before serving.