Want an excuse to have friends over? This recipe is excuse enough. Today's Shrimp Pasta Salad with Tomatoes and Capers makes a lovely addition to a lunch buffet or even a summer brunch. It has a bright lemony flavor, it's easy, and it's beautiful. Sounds like a plan.

We used the already cooked and peeled frozen shrimp, but you could use any kind of shrimp you have on hand. The capers are the secret to the sauce, so be sure not to leave them out.

For another delicious summer shrimp recipe, check our website at KitchenScoop.com for Topsail White Shrimp Spaghetti. Either of these summer shrimp recipes will work with any type of pasta. Try mini shells or jumbo macaroni for the cold salad and anything from linguini to angel-hair pasta for Topsail Shrimp "Spaghetti."

Suggested menu: Shrimp Pasta Salad with Tomatoes and Capers, assorted cheese and crackers and fresh fruit.

• Beverly Mills and Alicia Ross are co-authors of "Desperation Dinners!" Write them Desperation Dinners, c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016, or tellus@kitchenscoop.com. More at the Desperation Dinners website, kitchenscoop.com.