With summer upon us, I thought I would share a family recipe with you this week. My Zesty Shrimp Pasta Salad recipe is perfect for hot and steamy summer nights, and afternoon gatherings. This recipe has been in my family for longer than I can remember. And is super versatile, easy to make and oh so good!

Zesty Shrimp Pasta Salad Ingredients
- Spiral pasta (fusilli): is my favorite to use for this recipe but you can also use macaroni, penne, farfalle or any small pasta works well.
- Salad shrimp: shrimp is my favorite choice but you can use any cooked protein in its place such as salami, chicken or pepperoni.
- Provolone cheese: this was my husbands addition to the family recipe. I’ve also used cheddar and Swiss cheese in the past.
- Cherry tomatoes: cherry tomatoes come in so many varieties that they are my go-to for this recipe, but you can also used diced Roma tomatoes.
- Black olives: add a bit of tanginess and I would definitely miss them if they weren’t included here.
- Jarred roasted red pepper: this is another addition made by my hubby, and it’s a great one.
- Italian dressing: use your favorite!
- Italian parsley: adding a bit of greenery is always a good thing.

How To Make Pasta Salad
- Cook pasta according to package directions and drain, and rinse under cold water. This helps stop the cooking process.
- Add cooked pasta to a large bowl. Combine the shrimp, cheese, tomatoes, black olives, roasted red pepper and salad dressing.
- Sprinkle fresh Italian parsley on top right before serving.

Zesty Shrimp Pasta Salad Tips
- Our family prefers our pasta to have a little bite, so we cook our pasta to al dente. Plus as the salad sits it will absorb moisture and flavor.
- Running the pasta under cool water also helps stop the cooking process and cools the pasta down so you can add the fresh ingredients without fear it will cook them.
- This pasta salad is best made at least 24 hours in advance for the best flavor, which makes it perfect for a summer party or potluck.
- If using salad shrimp, be sure to thaw the shrimp under running water then gently pat dry with paper towels to get as much moisture out as possible.

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Zesty Shrimp Pasta Salad
Zesty Shrimp Pasta Salad made with fusilli pasta, salad shrimp, cherry tomatoes, black olives, provolone cheese, roasted red pepper and your favorite Italian dressing. Refreshing and easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1 pound spiral pasta
- 1 pound frozen salad shrimp, thawed
- 8 ounce block provolone cheese, diced
- 10 ounces cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- 1 2.25 ounce can sliced black olives, drained
- 1 jarred roasted red pepper, diced, about 4 ounces
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh Italian parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions and drain, and rinse under cold water. This helps stop the cooking process.
- Add cooked pasta to a large bowl. Combine the shrimp, cheese, tomatoes, black olives, roasted red pepper and salad dressing. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle fresh Italian parsley on top right before serving.
Notes
This recipe is best made 24 hours in advance for best flavor. And can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 362Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 101mgSodium: 862mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 18g
*Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary.*