Shrimp Pasta Salad

Quick and easy creamy Shrimp Pasta Salad comes together quickly for summer picnics and potlucks. Loaded with shrimp, onions, peppers and tossed in a creamy, homemade dressing. It’s the perfect pasta salad that will quickly become a go-to.

Not only is it easy to make, but you can make this shrimp salad the night before so it’s easy to grab and go when it’s time to share it. Letting it sit overnight allows the flavors to develop so it’s even more delicious! I love a great summer pasta salad and this one is right up there with my classic crab pasta salad!

The Perfect Potluck Pasta Salad!

If you love traditional macaroni salad, you are going to LOVE this shrimp pasta salad. They are very similar and the flavors are always a crowd-pleaser! 

The dressing is creamy and so delicious with mayo, a touch of mustard, lemon juice, seasonings, and a hint of sweetness.

The textures are great, too! Fresh bell pepper and celery add a nice crunch with the tender pasta.

It’s so easy to make – you can can have it made and in the fridge in about 15 minutes!

It’s the perfect side for BBQs, potlucks, picnics, or just because! It goes with so many summer main dishes like bbq chicken marinade, pork, and steak.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe!

• Bursting with Freshness: This Shrimp Macaroni Salad is loaded with fresh ingredients like crunchy celery, diced red bell pepper, and zesty green onion.
• Creamy and Tangy Dressing: The dressing is the star of this salad, bringing together all the ingredients with its creamy, tangy goodness. Made with mayonnaise, white vinegar, mustard, and a hint of lemon juice, it coats the macaroni and shrimp with a flavor.
• Versatile and Convenient: This salad is incredibly versatile, making it a fantastic option for various occasions. It’s perfect as a side dish for BBQs, picnics, or potlucks, and it can also serve as a light and refreshing meal on its own. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare in advance, so you can enjoy the convenience of having a delicious dish ready to go whenever you need it.

Ingredients for Shrimp Pasta Salad

• Elbow macaroni – This is my favorite shape for this salad but you can use another pasta shape like penne, rotini, or orecchiette.
• Celery – I like to chop it up finely so there aren’t big chunks but you still get that great crunch.
• Bell pepper – Red bell pepper is great for flavor and a pop of color, but you can use another sweet bell pepper like orange or yellow.
• Green onion – This adds a nice onion flavor that is not as overwhelming as white or red onion.
• Salad shrimp – These are small frozen cooked shrimp. Just thaw them ahead of time and then they are ready to toss in the salad.
• Mayonnaise – This is the base of the dressing and it makes it super creamy and delicious!
• Distilled white vinegar – This adds a nice tangy flavor.
• Granulated sugar – You don’t need a lot, just enough to balance out the acidity from the other salad dressing ingredients.
• Garlic powder
• Yellow mustard – This also adds a nice tangy flavor. You can also try Dijon mustard!
• Lemon juice – Use fresh-squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
• Salt and pepper

​​​​What else can you add to shrimp macaroni salad?

I like to keep it simple (and delicious!) but there are other ingredients you can add or swap for ingredients in this recipe. 

• I’ve seen versions with Old Bay seasoning (instead of garlic powder) or other spices like paprika or even a few pinches of cayenne pepper if you like some heat!
• If you love lemon, try adding some lemon zest for an extra citrus punch.
• Fresh herbs add a nice flavor, too. Fresh dill, fresh parsley, chopped chives, or some thyme would all work great in this recipe.
• I love shrimp, but you you can also use cooked crab meat or lobster in this salad. Or, do a mix and call it seafood pasta salad!

How to Make Shrimp Pasta Salad

Boil: Cook the pasta following the package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain it and rinse it under cold water to cool it.

Mix: In a large bowl, combine the mayo, vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, mustard, and lemon juice. Add the chopped veggies, shrimp, and stir to combine.

​Toss: Add the drained and rinsed macaroni pasta to the bowl and toss or stir to coat it evenly with the dressing.

Chill: Cover the bowl and chill the pasta salad for at least one hour before serving.

Make Ahead Tips!

Make-Ahead: You can serve this shrimp pasta salad within an hour of making it, but it’s best if it can sit overnight in the refrigerator. This allows all of the flavors to meld so it’s even better.

Serving Tips!

Serving: This salad has a mayonnaise-based dressing so don’t let it sit out of the fridge for more than two hours (or less if it’s hot). If you’re serving it outdoors, it’s a good idea to keep it on ice in the cooler. Another option is to have a bowl slightly bigger than the serving bowl filled with ice, then set the serving bowl with salad in it to keep it cold.

How to Store Leftover Shrimp Pasta Salad

Leftovers: Any leftover pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days.

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is the traditional choice, you can easily switch things up by using other pasta shapes like rotini, bowtie, or penne. Just make sure to cook them according to the package instructions, so they’re al dente and ready to be mixed with the other ingredients.

Can I substitute the salad shrimp with another type of seafood?

Certainly! If you prefer a different seafood option, you can swap out the salad shrimp for cooked and chopped crab meat, lobster, or even diced cooked chicken. This will allow you to customize the salad to your liking and create a version that suits your taste preferences.

What sides go with Shrimp Pasta Salad?

When serving this Shrimp Macaroni Salad, consider these options to enhance your meal:

• Grilled Protein: Pair it with grilled shrimp, chicken, or salmon for a delicious combination of flavors.
• Crusty Bread or Rolls: Offer crusty bread or rolls on the side for added texture and to make the meal more filling.
• Fresh Fruit Platter: Balance the richness with a refreshing fruit platter featuring watermelon, pineapple, berries, and citrus fruits. Don’t forget fruit dip!
• Leafy Green Salad: Serve a simple leafy green salad with a light dressing to add freshness and a lighter element to the meal.

These suggestions will complement the Shrimp Macaroni Salad and create a satisfying and well-rounded dining experience. Enjoy!

Don’t let the summer slip by without trying this shrimp pasta salad recipe! Make it for your next cookout and I know it’ll be a hit.

More Favorite Pasta Salad Recipes

• Caesar Pasta Salad is fresh and delicious with pasta, lettuce, and creamy Caesar dressing!
• Italian Pasta Salad is another crowd favorite I love to make. It’s loaded with Italian ingredients and perfect for any summer party!
• Who doesn’t love bacon and ranch? My Bacon Ranch Pasta salad is always a winner!
• Tuna Pasta Salad combines a classic tuna salad with pasta for a delicious side dish!