What’s more refreshing on a hot afternoon than a bright, zesty summer spaghetti salad? This dish is rich with sweet shrimp and packs a punch with the arugula and lemon.
Pasta does not always have to be served hot to be delicious and packed with flavor! Summer is the perfect time to crack out your favorite spaghetti salad recipe for a light lunch or evening meal.
This recipe uses delectable fresh shrimp that are pan-fried in garlic butter to bring out their sweetness.
We have combined the shrimp with peppery arugula and umami sun-dried tomatoes in the spaghetti before tossing it all with a lemon and parmesan dressing that brings the whole meal together seamlessly.
Why you will love this Summer Spaghetti Salad recipe…
Summer Spaghetti Salad with Lemon-Garlic Shrimp & Arugula
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh arugula
- ¼ cup shaved parmesan cheese
For the lemon-parmesan dressing:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Ingredients
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and allow to cool.
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, zest, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with sun-dried tomatoes and arugula.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and mix well.
- Gently fold in the shrimp and parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately or let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with extra parmesan and a lemon wedge.
Nutrition
Serving Suggestions
This summer spaghetti salad is the perfect light lunch to serve on its own or alongside Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers as part of a larger meal. It can also be served in a larger portion for a satisfying summer dinner dish.
Expert Tips 🧑🍳
Storage Suggestions
Summer Spaghetti Salad FAQs
What is the biggest mistake when making pasta salad?
Not letting the ingredients cool completely before combining is one of the biggest mistakes made when making spaghetti salad. This will result in a lukewarm dish that wilts the herbs and doesn’t feel refreshing.
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