Hey y'all! If you're looking for a fresh, creamy, and absolutely mouthwatering dish that never fails to impress, this Shrimp Pasta Salad is your new go-to. It's loaded with juicy shrimp, tender pasta, crisp veggies, and tossed in a tangy dressing that's full of flavor. Whether you're hosting a summer BBQ, prepping for a potluck, or just want a light and satisfying lunch, this recipe checks all the boxes. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Shrimp Pasta Salad
- Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- The combination of succulent shrimp and creamy dressing is truly irresistible.
- Great for meal prep—this salad tastes even better after chilling overnight.
- Easily customizable with your favorite veggies or pasta shapes.
- Light, refreshing, and satisfying, it's ideal for warm weather dining.
Ingredients for Shrimp Pasta Salad
- 8 oz (about 2 ½ cups) rotini pasta
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ⅓ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ⅓ cup celery, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How to Make Shrimp Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Shrimp
While the pasta cooks, bring another pot of water to a gentle boil. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until pink and opaque. Drain, rinse with cold water, and pat dry. If the shrimp are large, cut them in half.
Step 3: Mix the Salad Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, shrimp, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, celery, and parsley.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 5: Toss and Chill
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled.
Notes for the Best Shrimp Pasta Salad
- For the freshest flavor, use wild-caught shrimp. Find info on sustainable shrimp sourcing.
- Make ahead: This salad tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
- If you're short on time, use pre-cooked shrimp from the seafood counter.
Shrimp Pasta Salad Variations
- Greek-Style: Add Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and swap in a Greek vinaigrette for the dressing.
- Spicy Cajun: Use Cajun seasoning in place of Old Bay, add diced jalapeños for a kick.
- Low-Carb: Swap pasta for spiralized zucchini or cauliflower florets.
Required Equipment for Shrimp Pasta Salad
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Medium saucepan for shrimp
- Mixing bowls (large and small)
- Colander
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Shrimp Pasta Salad Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give the salad a quick stir before serving again. Freezing is not recommended as the creamy dressing may separate.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Shrimp Pasta Salad
- Serve alongside grilled chicken or steak at your next BBQ.
- Pair with crusty bread for a satisfying lunch.
- Enjoy with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé.
Pro Tips for Perfect Shrimp Pasta Salad
- Don’t overcook the shrimp—watch carefully and remove as soon as they turn pink (see this guide for cooking shrimp).
- For extra flavor, toss pasta in a drizzle of olive oil before mixing in the other ingredients.
- Chill the salad for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors come together. Learn about safe chilling practices.
Shrimp Pasta Salad FAQ
- Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp Pasta Salad?
- Yes! Just thaw thoroughly, pat dry, and cook as directed for juicy, flavorful shrimp.
- Can I make Shrimp Pasta Salad in advance?
- Absolutely. In fact, this salad tastes even better after chilling overnight as the flavors meld together.
- What's the best pasta shape for Shrimp Pasta Salad?
- Rotini or fusilli work great since their curves hold onto the creamy dressing, but any short pasta will do.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup diced celery
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- ¼ cup sliced green onions
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
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1Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
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2In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shrimp, cherry tomatoes, celery, red bell pepper, and green onions.
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3In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and black pepper.
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4Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to combine.
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5Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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