Refreshing Salad Pasta
Refreshing Salad Pasta
Make a Refreshing Salad Pasta at Home!
This dish brings back fond memories of Miz Container! It’s perfect for when you want a light yet satisfying meal. Enjoy a taste of nostalgia with this vibrant and flavorful salad pasta, a delightful blend of fresh greens, tender shrimp, and a tangy-sweet dressing.
Main Ingredients- Spaghetti pasta, enough for 2 servings
- 2 handfuls of fresh salad greens (approx. 100g)
- Ricotta cheese, a dollop (to taste)
- 3 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 Tbsp canned corn kernels
- 6 peeled and deveined medium shrimp
- 3 cloves garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the spaghetti. Bring a generous pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti for about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions for al dente. Once cooked, immediately rinse the pasta under cold water to remove excess starch and drain thoroughly in a colander. This step ensures the pasta stays firm and doesn’t become mushy.
Step 2
Wash about 2 handfuls of fresh salad greens thoroughly and pat them dry. If you have cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers on hand, feel free to chop and add them for extra color and crunch.
Step 3
Now, let’s make the delicious dressing! If you have pre-made balsamic dressing, measure out 9 tablespoons. If not, create a base by mixing 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar with 5 tablespoons of Oriental dressing.
Step 4
To the balsamic dressing base, add 1 tablespoon of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of mustard, and 3 tablespoons of sweet chili sauce. Whisk everything together until well combined. You’ll have a refreshing, slightly sweet and tangy dressing perfect for your salad pasta. Adjust the sauce quantities to your preference.
Step 5
Thinly slice 3 cloves of garlic. Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and the prepared shrimp. Sauté until the garlic is golden brown and the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Once cooked, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool slightly. This process infuses the oil with garlic flavor and cooks the shrimp beautifully.
Step 6
In a large bowl, add the drained, cooked spaghetti. Pour half of the prepared dressing over the pasta. Using tongs or chopsticks, gently toss the pasta to ensure each strand is evenly coated with the dressing. It’s important to coat the pasta first before adding the greens.
Step 7
Once the pasta is well-coated, add the prepared salad greens on top. Pour the remaining dressing over everything. Gently toss the salad and pasta together, being careful not to crush the greens. The key is to lightly mix everything so the freshness of the greens is preserved.
Step 8
Now, add 4 tablespoons of sweet corn kernels. The juicy pop of the corn adds a delightful texture and sweetness to the salad pasta.
Step 9
Finally, arrange the sautéed garlic and shrimp attractively over the pasta and greens. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese generously on top. Your delicious salad pasta is now complete!
Step 10
For an extra touch of creaminess and flavor, serve with a dollop of ricotta cheese on the side or gently placed on top. This salad pasta is a wonderful way to recreate that beloved Miz Container experience. Enjoy!
