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Creamy shrimp pasta salad recipe with elbow macaroni, shrimp, celery, and red onion in a white bowl.

Creamy Shrimp Pasta Salad Recipe

Bitty
A refreshing and easy-to-make cold pasta salad featuring tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a luscious creamy dill dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, and summer meals. This recipe includes tips for perfectly cooked shrimp and a balanced, flavorful dressing.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 35 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium Bowl (for dressing)
  • Whisk
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife
  • Measuring Cups & Spoons

Ingredients
  

For the Salad:

  • 12 oz medium pasta shells rotini, or penne
  • 1 lb medium shrimp 31-40 count, peeled, deveined, cooked, and cooled (tails removed)
  • 3 stalks celery thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup red onion finely diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped

For the Creamy Dressing:

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning optional, adjust to taste
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper or to taste
  • Pinch of sugar optional

Instructions
 

  • Cook Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse thoroughly under cold water. Drain well.
  • Prepare Shrimp: If cooking raw shrimp, boil or sauté until pink and opaque (1-3 mins). Plunge boiled shrimp in an ice bath. Cool completely. Chop if large. If using pre-cooked, ensure they are thawed and patted dry.
    Ingredients for shrimp pasta salad recipe in a clear glass bowl, including pasta, cooked shrimp, a dollop of mayonnaise, and paprika.
  • Make Dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream/yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon, Old Bay (if using), garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional sugar until smooth.
  • Combine: In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, cooled shrimp, celery, red onion, dill, and parsley.
    Close-up of a shrimp pasta salad recipe with elbow macaroni, shrimp, celery, and red bell pepper in a white bowl.
  • Dress: Pour about 2/3 of the dressing over the salad and gently fold to combine. Add more dressing as needed, reserving a little if possible.
  • Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, or preferably longer, to allow flavors to meld.
  • Serve: Stir well before serving. Adjust creaminess with reserved dressing or a dollop of mayo/yogurt if needed. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve chilled.
    Bowl of shrimp pasta salad recipe with elbow macaroni, shrimp, green peas, and parsley.

Notes

Nutrition information is an estimate only and varies based on ingredients used.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keyword cold pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, easy pasta salad, shrimp pasta salad