Name: Shrimp Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz elbow macaroni noodles; 4 stalks celery (chopped small); ½ red or green bell pepper (diced, seeds removed); ¼ small onion (diced); 2 cups small salad shrimp (cooked); 1 cup mayonnaise; 2 Tablespoons sour cream; 2 teaspoons distilled white vinegar; 1 ½ teaspoons granulated sugar; ¾ teaspoon celery seed; ¼ teaspoon ground mustard; ¼ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste); ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with the refreshing, creamy delight that is Shrimp Pasta Salad! This crowd-pleaser brings together succulent shrimp, crisp veggies, and tender noodles in a vibrant, tangy dressing that will have everyone clamoring for seconds. Perfect for backyard barbecues, lunch boxes, or an easy weeknight dinner, this is the kind of dish that checks every box: quick to make, bursting with color, and absolutely packed with flavor. The magic lies in how each ingredient works together to produce a pasta salad that’s delightfully coastal, uniquely satisfying, and always a welcome sight on your table.

Shrimp Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Shrimp Pasta Salad is that it celebrates simple components, each one pulling its weight in taste, texture, and visual appeal. These essentials are easy to find, but together, they elevate the dish into something truly special.

Elbow macaroni (8 oz): The classic pasta shape soaks up all the creamy dressing for every bite.
Celery (4 stalks, chopped small): Adds a fresh, crisp crunch that contrasts the richness of the dressing.
Bell pepper (½ red or green, diced): Brings a splash of color and a subtle sweetness; go for red for extra vibrancy.
Onion (¼ small, diced): A mild bite that deepens the overall flavor without overpowering.
Small salad shrimp (2 cups, cooked): The star of the show, bringing a delicate seafood note and soft texture.
Mayonnaise (1 cup): The foundation of the creamy dressing; opt for full-fat for maximum richness.
Sour cream (2 tablespoons): Adds tang and extra creaminess to the dressing.
Distilled white vinegar (2 teaspoons): Infuses zippy brightness to balance the creamy components.
Granulated sugar (1½ teaspoons): A touch of sweetness to round out the flavors.
Celery seed (¾ teaspoon): Enhances the classic “deli salad” aroma and taste.
Ground mustard (¼ teaspoon): Offers a hint of savory sharpness.
Salt (¼ teaspoon, plus more to taste): Draws out all the flavors—don’t be shy with your final seasoning!
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds just enough gentle heat for balance.

How to Make Shrimp Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Get things rolling by cooking your elbow macaroni noodles al dente according to the package instructions. Don’t overcook—remember, you want a bit of bite! Drain the pasta, then rinse it under cool water to stop the cooking and keep it from sticking together. A thorough drain is key, so take a moment to shake off excess water before moving your noodles to a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Mix in the Veggies and Shrimp

To the cooled macaroni, add the chopped celery, bell pepper, diced onion, and those perfectly cooked salad shrimp. This is where Shrimp Pasta Salad starts to come alive with color and texture. Give everything a gentle stir—this is the base for that creamy magic that’s coming next.

Step 3: Whisk the Creamy Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together your mayonnaise, sour cream, white vinegar, sugar, celery seed, ground mustard, salt, and black pepper. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning! This little step lets you create a dressing that’s just to your liking and ensures your Shrimp Pasta Salad will shine.

Step 4: Combine and Chill

Pour the dressing over your macaroni-shrimp mixture and stir thoroughly until everything is beautifully coated. Cover your bowl (plastic wrap works great) and tuck it in the fridge for at least an hour—overnight is even better. The flavors meld and develop, making this already-delicious salad truly irresistible. Be sure to give everything a fresh stir before serving so every bite has that perfect creamy coating.

How to Serve Shrimp Pasta Salad

Garnishes

Top off your Shrimp Pasta Salad with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, extra celery seed, or even a light dusting of paprika for color. A handful of extra shrimp on top always makes an impressive presentation and gives everyone an extra-special bite.

Side Dishes

Shrimp Pasta Salad pairs wonderfully with simple grilled chicken, crusty bread, or sliced watermelon for a summery touch. If you’re serving at a picnic or potluck, try adding a fruit salad or crisp green salad to complete the menu and balance out the creamy richness of the pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, serve individual portions in small mason jars or lettuce cups for an easy grab-and-go option. You can even layer the salad in a trifle bowl to show off all those vibrant colors. Sometimes, turning Shrimp Pasta Salad into bite-sized crostini toppers works for a fancier appetizer spin!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Shrimp Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll keep well for up to three days, though the texture is best within the first two. Give it a quick stir before serving again to revive the creaminess and ensure everything is perfectly blended.

Freezing

Freezing this salad isn’t recommended—mayo-based dressings can separate and lose their luxurious texture, while the shrimp and veggies can become watery after thawing. Fresh is truly best with Shrimp Pasta Salad.

Reheating

This dish shines when served cold or at cool room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you’d like to freshen it up, just take it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving for the flavors to bloom.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp Pasta Salad?

Absolutely! Just thaw them thoroughly and pat dry before adding to your salad. Make sure they’re small and cooked—larger shrimp can be chopped into bite-size pieces for an even mix.

What’s the best pasta shape to use?

Elbow macaroni is traditional and captures the dressing beautifully, but you can swap in shells or rotini if that’s what you have on hand. Just aim for a shape with plenty of nooks to hold all that luscious dressing.

How do I make this salad healthier?

Try using light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt in place of some or all of the mayo and sour cream. You can also add even more veggies—think diced cucumber, peas, or cherry tomatoes—for extra freshness and crunch.

Can I make Shrimp Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes, and it actually tastes even better after a night in the fridge! Making it the day before allows all the flavors to mingle. Just give it a good mix before serving in case it settles or separates slightly.

Is this salad safe to bring to a picnic?

Yes—just be sure to keep it chilled in a cooler or on ice, as the mayonnaise dressing is perishable. Avoid letting it sit out for more than two hours to keep things safe and delicious.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a show-stopping, refreshingly creamy crowd-pleaser, Shrimp Pasta Salad is about to become your new go-to. With its mix of textures, colors, and that classic tang, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again. Give it a try—you might just discover a new favorite for sharing with friends and family!