Loaded with crunchy vegetables and tender juicy shrimp, this creamy shrimp pasta salad is easy and quick to make, and it’s absolutely delicious. This refreshing summer salad can be made with only a few ingredients, and it’s perfect for picnics and potlucks.
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Delicious and Simple Shrimp Pasta Salad
You’ll adore this creamy shrimp pasta salad not only for its tantalizing blend of flavors and textures but also for its versatility and convenience. The succulent shrimp, crunchy vegetables, and hearty pasta provide a satisfying meal that can be served as a main course or a side dish.
Its creamy dressing adds a luxurious touch that makes each bite a delight. Moreover, the ability to customize the ingredients according to your personal preferences means that you can truly make this recipe your own.
This pasta salad is quick and easy to prepare, making it a go-to for busy weekdays, picnics, or get-togethers. The colorful presentation is sure to impress, and the delightful medley of flavors will make you come back for seconds.
How to Cook Fresh Shrimp
To cook fresh shrimp for this recipe, start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water to remove any loose shell fragments and pat them dry. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat a pan over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
Once the pan is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd them. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side.
Remember, shrimp cook quickly, so keep a close eye to avoid overcooking. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the pan and let them cool before adding them to the salad.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked pasta
- 1 lb shrimp peeled, deveined, and cooked
- 1 cucumber diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper diced
- 3 to 4 celery stalks, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For The Dressing
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground paprika
Instructions for Making Shrimp Pasta Salad
To make creamy salad dressing mix all the ingredients mentioned under ‘dressing’ and put aside for time being.
In a large mixing bowl, add cooked shrimp, cooked pasta, cucumber, red and yellow bell peppers, and celery.
Add salad dressing and carefully mix to combine. Adjust salt and pepper to preference.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Garnish with chopped parsley; Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- It is advisable to consume shrimp pasta salad fresh. However, you can store the leftovers in an airtight container for 1 day in the refrigerator.
- Freezing is not recommended.
- I’ve used rotini pasta here, but you can swap it with fusilli, or, penne, or any other pasta with deep grooves for holding the sauce.
- I’ve used small bite-size shrimp in the recipe as it makes the salad easier to eat. But you can also use larger shrimp that have been diced into bite-size pieces.
- You can add or omit different ingredients in the salad as per your liking. For example – you can add veggies such as red or green onions, corn, jalapenos, etc. You can even add a tsp of old bay seasoning or Cajun seasoning for an added flavor.
- You can use fresh or frozen shrimp (defrosted and dried). If using frozen shrimp, just make sure to cook them or use the pre-cooked ones.
More Recipe Options with Shrimp
Looking for more shrimp ideas? Why not try this Easy Garlic Shrimp Scampi recipe? Or use up the last of your shrimp with this easy and delicious Shrimp Puff Pastry appetizer.
Creamy Shrimp Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked pasta
- 1 lb shrimps peeled deveined, and cooked
- 1 cucumber diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper diced
- 3 to 4 celery stalks thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dressing
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground paprika
Instructions
- To make creamy salad dressing mix all the ingredients mentioned under dressing.
- In a large mixing bowl add cooked shrimps, cooked pasta, cucumber, red and yellow bell peppers, and celery. Add salad dressing and carefully mix to combine. Adjust salt and pepper to preference.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Garnish with chopped parsley; Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
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