Shrimp Pasta Salad

This shrimp pasta salad is a cold, creamy, mayonnaise-based pasta salad combined with fresh shrimp, sweet garden peas, boiled eggs, and onion.

It is simple and easy to make.

Try this salad independently for a lunch or light dinner.

Or create as a side dish for your next cook-out, potluck, or large family gathering.

Garnish with perfectly cooked shrimp and bright yellow lemons for a pretty presentation.

Your family and friends will love this delicious classic pasta salad.

Ingredients for cold shrimp pasta salad

• shell pasta- Honestly you can use ziti, fusilli, or macaroni. I like the shell pasta because the shells scoop up the ingredients and pack it in for a flavorful bite. Also, shells remind you of the sea which ties in with the shrimp...
• fresh uncooked peeled and deveined shrimp or uncooked peeled and deveined frozen shrimp- Do not buy precooked shrimp! Precooked shrimp that has been refrozen loses its flavor. I promise, it is worth cooking it from scratch!
• boiled eggs
• frozen peas- Do not use canned peas, they will become too mushy.
• onion
• lemon
• celery salt- You can substitute with old bay seasoning for a different twist of flavor.
• mayonnaise- Use real mayonnaise, not Miracle Whip.

Watch how to make

Tip: I suggest using the larger sized shrimp and cut into small bite sized pieces rather than using the tiny salad shrimp. The larger shrimp have more flavor.

Note: You can make homemade celery salt that is better than store bought! Try this easy celery salt recipe.

How to make

Follow these easy steps to make creamy shrimp pasta from scratch.

1. Remove tails and shells from shrimp. Bring water to a boil and add shrimp. Boil shrimp about 2-3 minutes or until shrimp are pink and the tails begin to curl.
2. Remove shrimp from water and place on ice to cool off immediately.
3. Meanwhile, cook shell pasta. Drain pasta and rinse with cold water until pasta is completely chilled. Set aside.
4. Chop shrimp into bite sized pieces.
5. Dice boiled eggs.
6. Make dressing by mixing mayonnaise, lemon juice, and celery salt.
7. In a large mixing bowl, mix pasta, diced onion, diced boiled eggs, chopped shrimp, and peas.
8. Mix dressing with salad. Salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tips

Tip: Make sure water is completely drained from shell pasta before mixing with the salad. Any extra water will make the salad runny.

Tip: I like to chill my pasta while prepping the other ingredients. Cold pasta will mix better with the dressing.

Note: If serving outside, take a larger bowl and fill with ice, then place this pasta bowl on top to keep chilled. You do not want the shrimp or mayonnaise to become warm or it will begin to spoil.

Variations:

This is the traditional classic recipe for cold shrimp pasta salad. However, you can change up this recipe with minor twists:

• Use Old Bay Seasoning in place of celery salt.
• Add shredded or diced sharp cheddar cheese.
• Add crab meat.
• Add finely diced celery.
• Use macaroni pasta instead of shell pasta.
• Add fresh dill.
• Add diced bell pepper or red pepper.

For more shrimp recipes, check out my 20 Easy Shrimp Recipe roundup!

Please leave me a comment below if you make this cold pasta salad, and tell me what you think about it. I would love to hear back, and so would my readers.

Also post your picture of your creamy shrimp pasta on Instagram or Facebook, and tag @aforkstale with #aforkstale hashtags! I will share with my followers! xoxo!

Recipe