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As summer approaches, the desire for light, refreshing meals intensifies. One dish that captures the essence of warm weather dining is the Chilled Citrus Seafood Pasta Salad Delight. This vibrant salad combines the best of both worlds: tender pasta and succulent seafood, all tossed together with a zesty citrus dressing. Not only does this dish look stunning on any table, but its bright flavors and textures also make it an instant crowd-pleaser, perfect for picnics, barbecues, or elegant brunches.

Seafood Pasta Salad (Modified)

Looking for a refreshing summer dish? Try this Chilled Citrus Seafood Pasta Salad! Packed with succulent shrimp, scallops, and calamari tossed with fusilli pasta and a zesty citrus dressing, it’s perfect for picnics or elegant brunches. This vibrant salad combines fresh vegetables and herbs for a delicious, nutritious meal. Dive into the flavors of summer and impress your guests with this delightful seafood salad! #SeafoodSalad #PastaSalad #SummerRecipes #HealthyEats #FreshIngredients #CitrusFlavors

Ingredients
  

8 oz of fusilli pasta (or pasta of your choice)

1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup scallops, cleaned

1 cup cooked calamari, sliced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Zest and juice of 1 lime

1/4 cup olive oil

1 tsp garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a kick)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the fusilli pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.

    Prepare the Seafood: In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle a bit of olive oil. Add the shrimp and scallops, and cook for about 3-4 minutes until shrimp is pink and scallops are golden. Add the cooked calamari and stir to combine just until heated through. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Remove from heat and let cool.

      Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, lime zest, lime juice, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

        Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, seafood mixture, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, parsley, and basil. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

          Chill: Cover the salad with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

            Serve: Toss again before serving, and garnish with additional herbs or citrus slices if desired. Enjoy your refreshing chilled seafood pasta salad!

              Prep Time: 20 min | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 4-6