Pasta salad with baby shrimp

We found that the best way to thaw frozen shrimp is overnight in the refrigerator, but you may not have that kind of time. For a shortcut and to put this dish together far more quickly (or, let's face it, you forgot to take the shrimp out of the freezer), you can simply place the shrimp in a colander and hold under a stream of cold water. Toss frequently until thawed, 3–5 minutes. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels before using. Then all you have left to do is cook the pasta, add the rest of the ingredients, and toss it all together. The salad is even better when it's made ahead so the flavors can meld, so give it some time to hang out in the fridge before serving.