This Shrimp Pasta Salad is the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory. With succulent shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, crisp veggies, and a luscious lemon-garlic dressing, it’s a refreshing take on classic pasta salad. The combination of sour cream and mayo offers a smooth richness, while parsley and lemon juice brighten every bite. It’s light enough for lunch yet satisfying enough for dinner.
This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to for busy weeknights, summer gatherings, or casual meal prep. Whether served as a main course or a complementary side, it’s incredibly versatile and can easily be tailored to your preferences. Add in veggies like cherry tomatoes or cucumber, or spice it up with a pinch of cayenne or paprika. It’s a delicious dish that looks impressive yet is surprisingly easy to make.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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12 oz pasta (rotini or fusilli)
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1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1/4 cup sour cream
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1 clove garlic, minced
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1/2 cup celery, chopped
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1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped
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1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
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In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and garlic.
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Add the cooked pasta, shrimp, celery, red onion, and parsley to the bowl.
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Gently toss everything together until well coated.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 360 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Introduction to Shrimp Pasta Salad
Shrimp Pasta Salad is a light, flavorful, and creamy dish that combines the richness of tender shrimp with the heartiness of pasta and the brightness of fresh herbs and vegetables. Often served cold, this salad is a popular option for summer barbecues, potlucks, picnics, or as a satisfying lunch meal prep. Its creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, and a touch of Dijon mustard creates a balanced and velvety base that clings beautifully to each pasta spiral and piece of shrimp.
The combination of textures and tastes in this salad is what makes it stand out. The shrimp brings a delicate sweetness and slightly briny flavor, which pairs beautifully with the tangy dressing and the subtle crunch of celery and red onion. The pasta adds substance and chew, while fresh parsley or dill adds herbal depth and a pop of color. It’s an all-in-one meal that manages to feel indulgent and refreshing at the same time.
Why This Shrimp Pasta Salad Stands Out
What sets this shrimp pasta salad apart from other cold pasta dishes is the balance of ingredients and ease of preparation. Unlike more complicated seafood salads, this one requires minimal cooking—just boiling the pasta and ensuring the shrimp is ready (whether pre-cooked or quickly sautéed). From there, it’s all about assembling and chilling. This makes it incredibly convenient for busy families or anyone looking to prepare meals ahead of time without sacrificing flavor or quality.
The dressing in this version leans on pantry staples, yet it delivers gourmet flavor. The sour cream lightens the mayonnaise base while giving it a tangy finish. Dijon mustard and garlic introduce just enough sharpness and bite, enhancing the natural taste of the shrimp without overwhelming it. The result is a dressing that feels luxurious without being heavy—ideal for warm weather meals.
Another highlight is its versatility. You can customize this recipe to suit dietary needs or what you have on hand. Swap in gluten-free pasta, use low-fat mayo or Greek yogurt for a lighter option, or toss in extra vegetables like diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or even corn. It’s one of those dishes that invites creativity while maintaining a solid, reliable base.
Perfect for Entertaining and Meal Prep
Shrimp Pasta Salad shines during the spring and summer months, when lighter, chilled dishes are in high demand. It holds up well in the fridge, making it a go-to for gatherings where it can be made a day in advance. In fact, it often tastes even better after the flavors have melded together overnight.
For meal prepping, this salad keeps fresh for several days when stored properly in an airtight container. It’s an ideal grab-and-go lunch for work or school, and you can serve it on a bed of greens, alongside fresh bread, or with a cup of soup for a more complete meal. Its vibrant presentation and refreshing flavor make it suitable for casual lunches and elegant outdoor dinners alike.
The Nutritional Benefits of Shrimp Pasta Salad
Beyond taste and convenience, this salad offers a good nutritional profile. Shrimp is a low-calorie, high-protein seafood that’s rich in essential nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine. It’s also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to heart and brain health. Using whole wheat pasta or a pasta made from legumes can increase the fiber and protein content further, making this salad even more filling and balanced.
Vegetables like celery and red onion bring in dietary fiber, antioxidants, and micronutrients, while fresh herbs like parsley add vitamin K and a boost of flavor with virtually no calories. The creamy dressing, while indulgent, can easily be lightened or modified to suit personal dietary preferences. Greek yogurt can replace sour cream or mayo for a high-protein alternative, and olive oil-based dressings can offer heart-healthy fats.
How to Elevate Your Shrimp Pasta Salad
While the base recipe is already a crowd-pleaser, there are endless ways to elevate it. Roasting or grilling the shrimp with a light dusting of paprika or chili powder adds smoky depth and visual appeal. Incorporating a handful of crumbled feta or goat cheese adds richness and contrast. Avocado slices, capers, or olives can add creaminess or briny tang for those who want a more Mediterranean twist.
Texture is another dimension to explore—tossing in a few toasted pine nuts, chopped walnuts, or sunflower seeds before serving can create an unexpected crunch that balances the softness of the pasta and shrimp. A sprinkle of lemon zest or a few drops of hot sauce can also liven up the flavors for those who like a zesty kick.
Seasonal Adaptations and Serving Ideas
Shrimp Pasta Salad adapts beautifully across the seasons. In summer, serve it chilled with slices of watermelon and iced tea. In spring, it pairs well with asparagus and lemon vinaigrette. You can even warm it slightly in cooler months and serve it with crusty bread or soup for a cozy yet fresh meal.
Presentation matters too. Garnish with extra herbs, lemon wedges, or edible flowers for a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. If you’re hosting guests, consider serving it in individual cups or mason jars for a polished, grab-and-go look. It’s also a perfect contribution to buffets or potlucks, where it stands out both visually and flavor-wise.
Tips for Success
To get the best results from your shrimp pasta salad, a few tips go a long way. First, avoid overcooking the pasta—al dente is best so that it holds up once mixed with the dressing and stored. For the shrimp, opt for medium or large varieties, and if using frozen, ensure they’re properly thawed and patted dry to prevent watery salad.
Chilling is key. While the salad can be eaten right away, letting it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) helps the flavors develop and makes it more refreshing. Lastly, don’t shy away from seasoning. Salt and pepper should be adjusted to taste, and you can enhance the flavor with a dash of smoked paprika, cayenne, or even Old Bay seasoning for a coastal flair.
Conclusion
Shrimp Pasta Salad is more than just a side dish—it’s a complete meal that offers flavor, convenience, and flexibility all in one bowl. Its creamy texture, balanced ingredients, and refreshing taste make it a favorite across age groups and dietary preferences. From backyard BBQs and sunny picnics to lunchboxes and casual dinners, this salad checks all the boxes.
Easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and nutritious, this is the kind of dish you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. Whether you’re entertaining guests, planning weekly meals, or simply craving a satisfying bite, Shrimp Pasta Salad delivers every time. It’s a recipe that proves simple ingredients can yield extraordinary results.
Let it chill, serve it fresh, and enjoy the delightful harmony of shrimp, pasta, and creamy dressing in every forkful.