Serve up oohs and ahhs with this inspiring picnic, potluck, or easy weeknight pasta salad that’s great as an all-in-one meal or a side dish. But, of course, we’re talking about Lemon Fusilli Salad with Shrimp. Or switch it up by making it with ham, chicken, or even tuna. It’s a pasta salad recipe that bursts with loads of fresh veggies and your choice of protein covered with a creamy herb ranch dressing and a touch of lemony citrus zest for a bright, summery taste. We’re sure you’ll give it two thumbs up!
Cook pasta in a large pot or saucepan using the package directions as a guideline.
Generally, you’ll bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and pasta. Most pasta will cook in 8 to 12 minutes until it is tender and firm but no longer crunchy - al-dente’ (Ahl-DEN-Tay).
½ box Fusilli
When cooked, drain the pasta, then rinse in cold water to bring the temperature down quickly, stopping the cooking process and keeping the noodles loose for the salad. Once cooled, transfer the cooled pasta to a colander or mesh strainer, shake to remove as much excess water as possible. Set aside.
½ box Fusilli
While the pasta is cooking...
Detail the shrimp (if not already done). Rinse and drain the broccoli and cauliflower under cool water, drain well, cut off any bad spots, then cut the florets into small pieces. Then zest the lemon and measure the remaining ingredients.
1 cup Broccoli florets, 1 cup Cauliflower florets, 1 tablespoon Zest from one Lemon, 1 cup pre-cooked Shrimp
Assemble
Combine cooked pasta, shrimp, broccoli, cauliflower, peas, ranch dressing, mayonnaise, and lemon zest in a large bowl.
1 cup Broccoli florets, 1 cup Cauliflower florets, ½ cup prepared Ranch Dressing, ¼ cup Mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Zest from one Lemon, ½ cup peas
Season with salt and pepper before tossing lightly, then gently fold in the shrimp. [1]
¼ teaspoon White Pepper, ¼ teaspoon Salt, 1 cup pre-cooked Shrimp
Serve
Refrigerate until ready to serve, or serve immediately, garnish individual servings with a lemon wheel cut from the zested lemon, a cut lemon wedge, or sprinkle with sliced scallions.
6 Lemon coins, wheels, or wedges
KITCHEN NOTES
Footnotes:[1] You could also substitute ham or another protein like cubed, cooked chicken breast, or flaked, cooked tuna in place of the shrimp.