Shrimp Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

Ingredients and Weight:

1. Shrimp - 300 grams (peeled and deveined)
2. Spaghetti - 400 grams (cooked)
3. Red bell peppers - 1 (sliced into strips)
4. Black olives - 1/2 cup (pitted and sliced)
5. Fresh basil - 10 leaves (chopped)
6. Italian dressing - 1/2 cup (or more, to taste)
7. Salt and pepper - to season

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooking: 15 minutes
• Total: 35 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Prepare the pasta according to package instructions and set aside to cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the red bell peppers, black olives, and fresh basil.
3. Heat the shrimp in a pan until fully cooked and pink, then add to the pasta mixture.
4. Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper, as desired.
6. Serve immediately or let stand for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 servings total)

• Calories: 500-600 (depending on additional toppings or dressings)
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 4g (approx.)

Dish Characteristics:

• Creamy and flavorful dressing combined with fresh ingredients for a delightful taste experience.
• A perfect blend of traditional Italian flavors with an American-friendly dish that can be enjoyed at any gathering or family meal.
• Versatile dish that can be customized with additional toppings or ingredients based on personal preference.

User Comments:

1. "Love the combination of flavors in this dish! The shrimp adds a great touch of protein and freshness."
2. "The pasta salad was a hit at our family gathering! The dressing was a great blend of flavors."
3. "This recipe is a keeper! It's easy to make yet tastes like a dish from a fine restaurant."
4. "I added some extra olives and sun-dried tomatoes for a richer flavor profile, turned out great!"
5. "My family loved this dish, especially the shrimp which added a nice texture to the salad."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be sure to use high-quality ingredients for best results.
• Adjust the amount of Italian dressing based on your preference for a richer or lighter dressing style.
• If you want to add more protein or texture, consider adding chicken, tuna, or other seafood to the salad as well as the shrimp.