Do you ever find yourself craving a satisfying meal that won’t leave you feeling weighed down? Our Low Calorie Seafood Pasta Salad is a delicious combination of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds without tipping the scale. Packed with nutritious ingredients and vibrant colors, this recipe is a perfect go-to for a light lunch or a refreshing dinner option. Let’s dive into creating this delightful dish.
**Low Calorie Seafood Pasta Salad**
**Ingredients:**
– 8 oz whole wheat pasta
– 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
– 2 stalks celery, sliced
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/3 cup olive oil
– 3 tbsp lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the Pasta:** Begin by cooking the whole wheat pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt the water well to flavor the pasta.
2. **Prepare the Veggies:** While the pasta is cooking, prepare the veggies. In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, yellow bell pepper, celery, red onion, and fresh parsley. Toss gently to mix.
3. **Make the Dressing:** In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to your taste preference.
4. **Combine the Ingredients:** Once the pasta is al dente, drain it and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Add the cooked pasta to the bowl of veggies.
5. **Add the Shrimp:** Next, add the cooked shrimp to the pasta and veggie mixture. Shrimp brings a delicious seafood flavor and lean protein to this salad.
6. **Drizzle the Dressing:** Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta, veggies, and shrimp. Toss everything together gently until well combined. Ensure that the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.
7. **Chill and Serve:** Cover the salad and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. When you’re ready to serve, give the salad a quick toss to reinvigorate the flavors and aroma.
This Low Calorie Seafood Pasta Salad is a fantastic choice for those looking to enjoy a lighter meal without compromising on taste. The combination of whole wheat pasta, fresh veggies, and succulent shrimp creates a satisfying dish that you can enjoy guilt-free. The vibrant colors and refreshing flavors make this salad perfect for a leisurely lunch on a warm afternoon or a delightful dinner option. Feel free to customize the ingredients to suit your preferences, whether adding in extra veggies or adjusting the seasoning to match your palate. Enjoy this easy-to-make recipe and savor a delightful culinary experience that nourishes both your body and soul.