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Here’s what you need for a tasty seafood pasta salad: - 8 oz rotini pasta - 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup cooked scallops, roughly chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup diced cucumber - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup sweet corn, drained - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1/4 cup lime juice - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste Gather these simple ingredients to make your dish fresh and flavorful. I love using rotini pasta because it holds the dressing well. The shrimp and scallops add a lovely seafood taste. Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness, while cucumber gives a refreshing crunch. Don't forget the cilantro; it adds a bright flavor. You can find the full recipe later for all the steps. - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. - Add 8 oz of rotini pasta and cook until al dente. - Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. - In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of cooked shrimp and 1 cup of chopped scallops. - Season the seafood with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper. - In a large salad bowl, mix the cooled pasta with the seafood, 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup of diced cucumber, 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion, and 1/2 cup of drained sweet corn. - Toss gently to combine all the ingredients. - In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of lime juice, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. - Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. - Add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro and mix well. - Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. - This step helps the flavors mix and taste better. For the full recipe, check out the Tropical Seafood Pasta Salad details. When you pick seafood, look for vibrant color and a fresh smell. Fresh seafood should not smell fishy. Instead, it should smell like the ocean. Try to choose sustainably sourced options when possible. This helps our oceans and ensures quality. To cook pasta just right, use plenty of salt in the water. This adds flavor to the pasta. Do not overcook the pasta. Aim for al dente, which means it should still have a little bite. This gives your salad the best texture. You can enhance the flavor by adding herbs. Try dill or basil for a fresh twist. Using flavored olive oil also adds depth to your dish. It can make a simple salad taste gourmet. {{image_2}} You can switch up the seafood in your salad. Try using crab meat or canned tuna instead of shrimp and scallops. Both options add a nice flavor. You can also use a mix of different shellfish like clams or mussels. This gives your salad a unique touch. Mixing seafood keeps it fresh and exciting. If you want a meat-free option, you can replace the seafood with grilled vegetables. Peppers, zucchini, and eggplant work great. Another option is to use chickpeas or tofu for protein. Chickpeas add a nice crunch, while tofu soaks up flavors. These choices make the salad just as tasty without seafood. The dressing can change the whole vibe of your salad. Try a vinaigrette or creamy dressings for a different taste. You can also adjust the acidity by adding lemon juice or vinegar. A splash of lemon adds brightness. Experimenting with dressings lets you customize your salad to your liking. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To keep your seafood pasta salad fresh, place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator. For the best taste and quality, eat it within three days. This way, you enjoy the flavors at their peak. If you want to save some for later, freeze individual portions. This makes quick meals easy. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. This keeps the texture nice and tasty. You can enjoy this salad with crusty bread for a filling meal. It also works as a side dish next to grilled meats or fish. Pair it with a fresh green salad to add crunch and balance. Want a full meal? Serve the seafood pasta salad alongside some roasted veggies. You can find the full recipe above for more delicious details. Yes, chilling overnight enhances the flavors. The longer it sits, the better it tastes. I love making it the night before a gathering. It’s a simple way to save time. Quinoa, couscous, or spiralized veggies are great alternatives. They add unique textures and flavors. Quinoa is my favorite for a nutty taste. Couscous cooks quickly, making it a fast option. Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free friendly. Many brands offer tasty gluten-free options now. They cook just like regular pasta, so you won’t miss a thing. Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. You can also use red pepper flakes for a milder heat. Adjust it to your taste for a fun twist. Shrimp, crab, and scallops are popular choices; choose based on personal preference. I enjoy a mix for variety. Fresh seafood always brings the best flavor to this dish. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas on seafood swaps and combinations! This seafood pasta salad recipe combines rotini, shrimp, and scallops for a tasty dish. You learned how to cook pasta perfectly and mix it with fresh veggies. Remember to chill the salad for the best flavor. Feel free to experiment with seafood or dressings to make it your own. Store leftovers in an airtight container for freshness. Enjoy this dish as a meal or a side. With these tips, you can create a delightful seafood salad every time!

Seafood Pasta Salad

Dive into a refreshing Tropical Seafood Pasta Salad that's perfect for warm days! This easy recipe combines rotini pasta, juicy shrimp, scallops, cherry tomatoes, and crisp cucumbers, all beautifully tossed in a zesty lime dressing. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a quick dinner, this salad is sure to impress. Click through for the full recipe and make your next meal a delicious tropical escape!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz rotini pasta

1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup cooked scallops, roughly chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup diced cucumber

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup sweet corn, drained

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1/4 cup lime juice

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

    Prepare the Seafood: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked shrimp and chopped scallops. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to enhance flavor.

      Combine Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, add the cooled pasta, seasoned seafood, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and sweet corn. Toss gently to combine.

        Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

          Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta and seafood mixture. Add the fresh cilantro and toss everything together until well coated.

            Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

              Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large bowl or individual plates. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges for a vibrant look.