Red lentil noodles, fresh herbs, jumbo shrimp and avocado give this Greek Pasta Salad a little twist. It comes together in 20 minutes and is flavorful, filling and super healthy!
Ingredient Notes and Health Benefits:
Red Lentil Noodles: Lentil noodles are gluten free, high in protein and fiber and it tastes so good! I buy mine from Trader Joe’s. They are Sedanini noodles and take 5 minutes to cook!
Avocado: One of my favorite healthy fats, avocado is jam packed with nutrients. It’s high in vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, fiber, folate, vitamin B5 and B6 and vitamin E.
Red Bell Peppers: High in vitamin C, B6 and folate. They also add great color to this salad and are so sweet and yummy!
Red Onion: Onions are considered a superfood, and for good reason! They are rich in antioxidants, sulfur, inhibit the hardening of artery walls, enhances elasticity of blood vessels and helps to prevent some cancers.
Jumbo Shrimp: A great source of lean protein, I purchase the Jumbo Shrimp (tail on) from the frozen aisle at Trader Joe’s. They are already cooked, so they just need to be thawed.
Olive Oil: High in healthy (monounsaturated) fats, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatories.
Dried Oregano: Has antibacterial properties and aids in fighting infections.
How to Make Greek Pasta Salad with Shrimp Fresh and Herbs
This recipe is so easy and doesn’t require you to cook anything! First, place frozen (cooked) shrimp in a large bowl, run a slow stream of cold water continuously for about 5 minutes until shrimp has thawed. Once thawed, pour shrimp into a strainer and place bowl in fridge. Next, cook pasta according to package directions – this takes about 5 minutes. While the pasta is cooking, dice onion, red bell pepper and cucumber and place in a large bowl. Add pasta, chopped herbs and olives to the bowl of veggies and stir to mix ingredients. In a medium sized bowl, combine dressing ingredients and whisk together. Remove shrimp from fridge, pour 1 tbsp of dressing over shrimp and toss. Pour the rest of the dressing over veggies, pasta and herbs. Using tongs or a large spoon, stir to coat ingredients. Using a serving spoon, place pasta salad in bowls. Top with shrimp, feta cheese and avocado.
Meal Prep for Greek Pasta Salad with Shrimp Fresh and Herbs
If you are planning on using this salad for meal prep, I would wait to add the feta cheese and avocado until immediately prior to eating the salad 🙂
12 oz Red Lentil Noodles Dressing:
Ingredients
1 lb Cooked Jumbo Shrimp - tail on
2 red bell peppers, diced
1 english cucumber, diced
1 red onion, diced
1/2 cup kalamata olives
1/4 cup crumbled feta
1/4 cup fresh basil, ripped
1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
1 avocado, diced
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 tbsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/2 tbsp garlic powderInstructions
