Grilled Shrimp Caesar Pasta Salad
Juicy grilled shrimp atop a bed of al dente pasta, crisp romaine, and a creamy Caesar dressing that'll make you wanna twirl your fork like a pro.
Total: 25 minPrep: 15 minCook: 10 min4 servingsDifficulty: Easy⭐ 4.8 (125+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 12 oz pasta (rotini or farfalle)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Crostini or garlic bread for serving
Steps
- 1 Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- 2 In a small bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- 3 Preheat grill to medium-high heat; grill shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- 4 In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, romaine lettuce, and Caesar dressing. Toss to coat.
- 5 Add grilled shrimp, Parmesan cheese, and parsley to the pasta mixture; gently toss.
- 6 Squeeze lemon juice over the top before serving.
Equipment
- Grill or grill pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Tongs
Variations
- Add grilled chicken for a heartier option.
- Toss in cherry tomatoes or artichoke hearts for extra veggies.
Substitutions
- Use penne or fusilli pasta if you don't have rotini or farfalle.
- Substitute arugula for romaine for a peppery kick.
Pairings
- Serve with a light arugula salad.
- Pair with a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad.
Nutrition
Calories:
500 kcal
Fat:
20g fat
Carbs:
50g carbohydrates
Protein:
30g protein
Fiber:
4g fiber
Sugar:
5g sugar
Sodium:
800mg sodium
Tips
- For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp for 30 minutes before grilling.
- If you're short on time, sauté the shrimp in a skillet instead of grilling.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently if desired.
Freezing: Not recommended for freezing due to the texture of the shrimp and pasta.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with warm crusty bread or garlic bread on the side.
- A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with this dish.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare without the shrimp and add before serving to keep it fresh.