Looking for a refreshing and satisfying dish to enjoy on a warm day? Shrimp Pasta Salad is the perfect solution—a delightful combination of tender shrimp, fresh vegetables, and creamy dressing tossed with pasta shells. This recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare but also versatile enough to serve as a main dish or a hearty side at any gathering. Whether you’re planning a picnic, barbecue, or simply craving a light yet flavorful meal, this Shrimp Pasta Salad ticks all the boxes.

Shrimp Pasta Salad

Made with simple ingredients like succulent shrimp, crisp green onions, juicy tomatoes, and a creamy dressing infused with dill and lemon, this pasta salad offers a burst of flavors in every bite. The creamy texture from the dressing perfectly complements the tender shrimp and al dente pasta shells, making it a crowd-pleaser for both adults and kids alike. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead dish that gets even better as it chills in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld together for an even more delicious outcome.

Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering, bringing a dish to a potluck, or simply looking to add a new favorite to your meal rotation, this Shrimp Pasta Salad is sure to impress. With its vibrant colors, refreshing taste, and easy preparation, it’s a dish that embodies the essence of summer dining—simple, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious. Ready to whip up this delightful pasta salad? Let’s dive into the recipe and see how you can make it your new go-to for any occasion.

What You Will Love About This Recipe

Fresh and Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of tender shrimp, crunchy green onions, juicy tomatoes, and creamy dressing creates a refreshing and satisfying flavor profile. Each ingredient adds its own unique texture and taste, making every bite a delightful experience.

Versatility: This salad can serve as a main dish or a side, making it perfect for various occasions—from family dinners to potlucks and picnics. Its versatility allows it to complement a wide range of dishes or stand alone as a light yet fulfilling meal.

Ease of Preparation: With simple instructions and readily available ingredients, this recipe is easy to prepare even for those with minimal cooking experience. It’s a great option for busy days when you want to whip up something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Make-Ahead Convenience: The salad can be made ahead of time and refrigerated, allowing the flavors to meld together. This not only enhances the taste but also makes it a convenient choice for meal prep or entertaining guests.

Refreshing and Light: During warmer months, the coolness of the salad combined with the zesty dressing provides a refreshing contrast. It’s a satisfying option that doesn’t weigh you down, making it ideal for summer dining.

Ingredients

1 (16-ounce) box pasta shells (mini or regular), cooked and cooled
1-2 (6-ounce) cans medium shrimp, drained
1 bunch of green onions (about ⅓ cup), sliced
2 medium tomatoes, diced
Salt and pepper

For the dressing:
½ cup whipping cream
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons fresh chopped dill
Juice of ½ lemon

How to make Shrimp Pasta Salad

Add cooked pasta, shrimp, green onions, and tomatoes into a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix together.

For the dressing, pour whipping cream into mayonnaise and whip until smooth. Stir in dill and lemon juice. Then pour dressing over other ingredients and mix until well combined.

Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour. Then serve garnished with additional dill, if desired.

Tips & Tricks

Cook Pasta Al Dente: To ensure your pasta maintains a nice texture in the salad, cook it al dente (firm to the bite) according to package instructions. Immediately rinse it under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming mushy.
Choosing Shrimp: Opt for high-quality shrimp for the best taste and texture. Fresh or frozen shrimp that have been thawed are ideal. If using canned shrimp, drain them well and pat dry with paper towels before adding to the salad.
Dressing Consistency: Adjust the consistency of the dressing to your liking by adding more or less mayonnaise and whipping cream. Some prefer a creamier texture, while others may prefer a lighter dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed with more lemon juice, dill, s

FAQs

To thaw frozen shrimp, place them in a colander or sieve and rinse under cold water for a few minutes until they are completely thawed. Alternatively, you can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.

Yes, Shrimp Pasta Salad is a great dish to prepare ahead of time. After mixing all the ingredients together and adding the dressing, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.

After preparing the Shrimp Pasta Salad, store it promptly in an airtight container or cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Properly stored, it can be refrigerated for up to three days.

Should I eat Shrimp pasta salad cold?

The pasta salad tastes best when chilled, so putting the salad in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving is ideal.

Shrimp Pasta Salad

Name: Shrimp Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Ingredients: 1 (16-ounce) box pasta shells (mini or regular), cooked and cooled; 1-2 (6-ounce) cans medium shrimp, drained; 1 bunch of green onions (about ⅓ cup), sliced; 2 medium tomatoes, diced; Salt and pepper; For the dressing:; ½ cup whipping cream; 1 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons fresh chopped dill; Juice of ½ lemon

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Additional Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Shrimp Pasta Salad is the perfect addition to every picnic and gathering. The small pieces of shrimp with the noodles and the creamy lemon dill dressing create the perfect combination of flavors.

Ingredients

1 (16-ounce) box pasta shells (mini or regular), cooked and cooled
1-2 (6-ounce) cans medium shrimp, drained
1 bunch of green onions (about ⅓ cup), sliced
2 medium tomatoes, diced
Salt and pepper
For the dressing:
½ cup whipping cream
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons fresh chopped dill
Juice of ½ lemon

Instructions

Add cooked pasta, shrimp, green onions, and tomatoes into a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix together.
For the dressing, pour whipping cream into mayonnaise and whip until smooth. Stir in dill and lemon juice. Then pour dressing over other ingredients and mix until well combined.
Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour. Then serve garnished with additional dill, if desired.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 283Total Fat: 26gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 242mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 1gSugar: 5gProtein: 2g

Melissa

I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!

Shrimp Pasta Salad