The perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and fresh this Shrimp and Green Bean Pasta Salad is the definition of summer on a plate. The Greek yogurt-based dressing adds a healthier twist while fresh dill and parsley bring bright herbal notes. Tossed with sweet shrimp, al dente pasta, and crunchy green beans, it’s both satisfying and refreshing.
Whether you’re prepping for a picnic, hosting a light lunch, or looking to meal-prep something different, this dish is a total win. It’s a fast, no-fuss recipe that keeps beautifully in the fridge and makes an elegant addition to any gathering. Make a big batch it’ll disappear quickly!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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Kosher salt
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8 ounces short pasta (such as fusilli or penne)
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8 ounces green beans, trimmed and halved
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1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
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3 tablespoons mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
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1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
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1 pound cooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
Directions:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
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During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the green beans to the boiling pasta water. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt, mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and black pepper until smooth.
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Stir in the chopped dill and parsley.
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Add the cooked shrimp, cooled pasta, green beans, and red onion to the bowl. Toss gently to coat everything in the dressing.
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Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 370 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Perfect Summery Shrimp and Green Bean Pasta Salad: A Refreshing Twist for Your Summer Meals
When the warm weather hits, it’s the perfect time to switch up your regular meals with light, refreshing dishes that still provide full flavor and satisfaction. One such dish that embodies the essence of summer is Summery Shrimp and Green Bean Pasta Salad. This versatile and easy-to-make dish combines the flavors of sweet shrimp, crisp green beans, and al dente pasta, all tossed together in a creamy Greek yogurt-based dressing. It’s the ideal meal to serve at family gatherings, picnics, or a refreshing lunch after a long, hot day.
Why This Pasta Salad is Perfect for Summer
Summer meals are all about simplicity, freshness, and easy preparation. No one wants to spend hours in the kitchen when the sun is shining, and the outdoor activities are calling. This Shrimp and Green Bean Pasta Salad checks all the boxes, delivering a nutritious and satisfying dish that doesn’t require too much time or effort.
One of the main reasons this dish works so well in the summer is that it’s served cold. The chilled shrimp and pasta salad provide a light yet hearty meal, perfect for hot days when a warm, heavy dish might feel too much. The dressing, made with Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and a bit of white wine vinegar, gives it a tangy creaminess that pairs perfectly with the shrimp and vegetables. The addition of fresh herbs like dill and parsley adds a burst of brightness that balances the richness of the dressing, making it incredibly refreshing.
Additionally, the recipe is incredibly versatile. You can add or substitute ingredients depending on what’s in season, or what you have in your pantry. You can experiment with different pasta shapes, vegetables, or even swap the shrimp for grilled chicken or other proteins. This level of flexibility means you can tailor it to fit your tastes and dietary needs, making it suitable for all kinds of gatherings, from casual backyard barbecues to more formal dinner parties.
The Health Benefits of Shrimp and Green Beans
Not only is this dish tasty, but it’s also packed with nutrients. Shrimp is an excellent source of high-quality protein while being low in calories. It’s also rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12, iodine, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining heart health and overall wellness. Shrimp is also a great choice for those looking to follow a low-fat or low-carb diet, making it a great option for a wide variety of dietary preferences.
Green beans are a fantastic addition to this salad, adding a satisfying crunch and a burst of color. They are a great source of fiber, which helps promote digestive health and keeps you feeling full longer. Green beans are also packed with antioxidants, such as vitamin C and beta-carotene, that help support the immune system. Combined with the other ingredients, this dish offers a well-rounded mix of vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients to fuel your body.
By using Greek yogurt as the base for the dressing, you’re adding an extra boost of protein and probiotics, which contribute to a healthy gut and overall digestion. This substitution for traditional mayonnaise is also a great way to lighten up the recipe without sacrificing taste, making it a healthier choice overall.
Making the Dish Your Own: Customizing Your Shrimp and Green Bean Pasta Salad
One of the best things about this dish is that it’s incredibly customizable. While the base of shrimp, pasta, green beans, and the creamy dressing is delicious as is, there are many ways to personalize it to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.
For example, you could add other vegetables to the mix, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers, to add more crunch and a pop of color. These vegetables not only enhance the texture and flavor of the salad but also add even more vitamins and minerals.
If you’re looking to boost the flavor profile, you could incorporate a bit of lemon zest or freshly squeezed lemon juice into the dressing. The citrusy zing would complement the shrimp and fresh herbs, giving the dish an extra layer of brightness. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a bit of hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or even chopped jalapeños to the mix for a touch of heat.
For those following a gluten-free diet, you can easily swap out the pasta for a gluten-free version. There are many gluten-free pasta options available today, including those made from rice, quinoa, or even chickpeas, that work just as well in this recipe. This makes the dish accessible to anyone with dietary restrictions without compromising on flavor or texture.
In addition, the shrimp can be swapped for other proteins if desired. Grilled chicken, smoked salmon, or even plant-based options like chickpeas or tofu could be used in place of the shrimp. This flexibility allows you to make the dish fit your taste preferences or dietary needs while still retaining its core flavors.
Serving Ideas and Pairings
This Shrimp and Green Bean Pasta Salad is a fantastic stand-alone dish, but it can also be served alongside other summer favorites for a well-rounded meal. Consider pairing it with a simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette or some crusty bread for extra texture. Grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus, would also complement this dish beautifully, adding more flavor and variety to your plate.
For a more substantial meal, you can serve this pasta salad as a side dish to grilled meats like steak, chicken, or fish. It pairs particularly well with lighter proteins like grilled chicken breast or seared tuna, balancing the richness of the meats with the freshness of the pasta salad. This makes it an excellent choice for barbecues, picnics, or any summer gathering where you want a meal that’s both filling and satisfying.
Storing and Meal Prepping
One of the best features of this Shrimp and Green Bean Pasta Salad is that it holds up well in the refrigerator, making it an excellent option for meal prepping. The flavors actually improve as the salad sits and marinates, allowing the dressing to soak into the pasta and shrimp. If you’re meal prepping for the week, this dish can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Because it’s served cold, it’s perfect for making ahead of time. Prepare it the night before and let it chill in the fridge overnight. The next day, you’ll have a flavorful, ready-to-eat meal or side dish that’s perfect for a busy day.
Conclusion:
The Summery Shrimp and Green Bean Pasta Salad is the epitome of a light, delicious, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for the warm months. With its balanced combination of fresh ingredients, creamy dressing, and refreshing flavors, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re enjoying it as a main dish for a quick lunch or serving it alongside other summer staples at a barbecue, it’s a dish that will quickly become a go-to in your recipe rotation.
This salad is not only a breeze to make but also offers endless customization options, allowing you to adapt it to your taste or dietary restrictions. It’s a great way to enjoy healthy, nutrient-packed ingredients without sacrificing flavor. Plus, it’s ideal for meal prepping, so you can enjoy it throughout the week.