If you’re craving a delightful dish that combines tender shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy, tangy dressing bursting with fresh herbs, then you’ve just found a gem with this Shrimp Pasta Salad Recipe. It’s a vibrant crowd-pleaser that feels both refreshing and satisfying, making it ideal for summer picnics, potlucks, or a simple weeknight dinner that feels special. Every bite brings a fantastic blend of textures and flavors that dance on your palate, proving that pasta salads can be anything but boring.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this shrimp pasta salad recipe is a breeze, yet each item plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor, color, and crunch. From the crisp bell peppers to the creamy mayonnaise-dill dressing, every component works together to create a dish that’s as stunning visually as it is delicious.
- Dry macaroni noodles (1 pound): The perfect pasta shape to hold onto the dressing and mix well with other ingredients.
- Diced celery (1 cup): Adds a refreshing crunch that balances the creaminess.
- Red bell pepper (1, diced): Delivers vibrant color and a subtle sweetness.
- Green onions (2, sliced): Brings a mild oniony punch that lifts the overall flavor.
- Medium frozen cooked shrimp (1 pound, thawed): The star of the show, tender and flavorful, providing protein and a satisfying seafood twist.
- Mayonnaise (â…” cup): Creates the luscious dressing that coats every bite.
- Apple cider vinegar (2 tablespoons): Adds a bright acidity that balances the richness of the mayo.
- Minced fresh dill (2 tablespoons): Infuses a fresh herbal note that pairs perfectly with seafood.
- Granulated sugar (1 teaspoon): Just enough sweetness to round out the dressing flavors.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every ingredient’s taste.
How to Make Shrimp Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add the dry macaroni noodles. Cooking them just until al dente ensures they hold their shape and don’t become mushy in the salad. Once done, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the noodles thoroughly. Drain again well so your salad doesn’t turn watery.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, fresh dill, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper. This creamy dressing is key to tying all the flavors together with its tangy, herby, and slightly sweet notes.
Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled noodles with the diced celery, red bell pepper, sliced green onions, and thawed shrimp. This mixes up the delightful medley of colors and textures that make this shrimp pasta salad recipe visually appealing and exciting to eat.
Step 4: Dress the Salad and Chill
Pour the dressing over the noodle and shrimp mixture and gently toss everything until each component is nicely coated. Cover and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving — chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully, bringing out the best taste.
How to Serve Shrimp Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra green onions or a few fresh dill sprigs add a fresh, aromatic finish that instantly elevates the presentation and flavor of this shrimp pasta salad recipe. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for a subtle citrus zing that brightens the whole dish.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs perfectly with grilled vegetables, crusty bread, or even a light soup. The creamy and tangy qualities of the shrimp pasta salad recipe contrast beautifully with smoky or charred side dishes, making your meal both balanced and exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this salad in hollowed-out bell peppers or crisp lettuce cups for single-serve portions. You can also layer it in a clear glass bowl to showcase the colorful veggies and shrimp, making it a stunning centerpiece for any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your shrimp pasta salad recipe, simply transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for next-day lunches or snacks.
Freezing
Because of the mayonnaise-based dressing, freezing this shrimp pasta salad recipe is not recommended as it can separate and become watery once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This is a cold salad best served chilled, so reheating isn’t necessary or advised. Just give it a gentle stir after taking it out of the fridge to redistribute the dressing before serving again.
FAQs
Can I use fresh shrimp instead of frozen cooked shrimp?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh shrimp, just cook and chill them first before adding to the salad. This will maintain the intended texture and flavor of the recipe.
What types of pasta work best in this salad?
Small shapes like macaroni, rotini, or shells work wonderfully because they hold onto the dressing well and mix easily with the other ingredients.
Can I make this salad vegan or vegetarian?
To adapt this shrimp pasta salad recipe, you can omit the shrimp and substitute mayo with a vegan alternative. Adding chickpeas or grilled tofu can provide protein while keeping it flavorful.
Is it okay to prepare this salad the night before a party?
Yes! Making the salad ahead allows flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep it chilled and give it a good toss right before serving to freshen it up.
How can I make the dressing tangier?
If you love extra tang, simply increase the apple cider vinegar slightly or add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors further.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—a shrimp pasta salad recipe that’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, this dish promises a refreshing and satisfying experience every time. Give it a try and watch your loved ones ask for seconds!
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Shrimp Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A refreshing and easy-to-make Shrimp Pasta Salad combining tender macaroni noodles with crispy celery, sweet bell peppers, fresh green onions, and juicy cooked shrimp, all tossed in a tangy, creamy dill dressing perfect for potlucks, picnics, or light lunches.
Ingredients
Pasta Salad Ingredients
- 1 pound dry macaroni noodles
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 pound medium frozen cooked shrimp, thawed
Dressing Ingredients
- â…” cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down. Drain well to remove excess water.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, minced fresh dill, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth and well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked and cooled noodles, diced celery, diced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, and thawed cooked shrimp. Gently toss everything together to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Toss with dressing and chill: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and serve chilled. Optionally, garnish with extra sliced green onions and dill before serving.
Notes
- Use medium cooked shrimp, thawed and deveined for best texture and flavor.
- Rinsing the pasta with cold water stops the cooking and cools the noodles, preventing them from becoming mushy.
- Adjust the amount of mayonnaise and vinegar according to your preferred creaminess and tanginess.
- This pasta salad can be made a few hours ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Feel free to add other fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added freshness.
