Bold and Flavorful Mediterranean Shrimp and Pasta Salad

Ingredients

• 1 pound raw white shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay (or your favorite seafood seasoning)
• 1 teaspoon avocado oil or your preferred neutral oil (for cooking)
• 8 ounces dry pasta of choice (tri-color, whole grain, high-protein or gluten-free), cooked and cooled
• 6-8 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/4 small red cabbage, shredded
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 English cucumber, diced
• 1/2 small red onion, diced
• 2 medium vine tomatoes, diced
• 1 Granny Smith apple, diced
• 1/4 cup sliced pepperoncini
• 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup bacon bits (optional, see recipe)
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
• 1-2 teaspoons pure honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for added tang and emulsification)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt
• freshly cracked black pepper