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.
"I added celery, used small shrimp and it was delicious! I worried it wouldn't be flavorful with only salt, pepper and celery salt as spices. I was wrong…it was seasoned perfectly and full of flavor. The amount of Mayo was balanced perfectly and the salad was not overpowering with dressing. We loved this recipe and will definitely make again."
★★★★★ - Nancy
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🔍 Quick Look: Creamy Shrimp Pasta Salad
⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes 🕒 Cook Time: 15 minutes
❄️ Chill Time: 1 hour (recommended)
🍤 Main Ingredients: Shrimp, pasta, peas, onion, boiled eggs, mayonnaise-based dressing
👥 Servings: 10
✅ Make Ahead: Yes, tastes even better after chilling
⭐ Difficulty: Easy
A note to the reader
Living here on the Crystal Coast, we're luck to have some of the sweetest, plumpest shrimp you'll ever taste. Whenever I can, I head over to Miss Gina's, here in Beaufort, to buy them fresh off the shrimp boats. There's nothing fancy about the process, and that's part of what I love. You pull up with a cooler, they weigh out the shrimp, dump them right into your cooler, cover them with ice, and send you on your way.
If I'm not in a hurry, I always buy the shrimp with the heads still on and clean them myself when I get home. It takes a little extra time, but the freshness is worth every minute. The shrimp are incredibly sweet with just a hint of that fresh coastal brininess, never fishy, just clean and delicious. If you ever find yourself visiting Beaufort, I highly recommend stopping by Miss Gina's. It's a true local experience, and you can even pack your shrimp on ice of freeze them to take home.
These fresh shrimp are one of my favorite reasons to make this shrimp pasta salad. The tender shrimp, sweet peas, and simple creamy dressing all work together without one flavor overpowering another. It's light enough for a hot summer day but hearty enough to serve as a meal. Whether you're using fresh local shrimp from a seafood market or a bag from the grocery store, this recipe lets the shrimp shine. I hope you love it as much as we do. Enjoy! Xoxo -Katie.
Ingredient notes and substitutions
You will need the following ingredients to make 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! Click here to learn how to peel and devein shrimp. I suggest using the larger sized shrimp or medium sized shrimp and cut into small bite sized pieces rather than using the tiny salad baby shrimp. The larger shrimp have more flavor.
- boiled eggs
- frozen peas- Do not use canned peas, they will become too mushy.
- onion-Choose white onion, red onion, or green onions.
- fresh lemon juice
- celery salt- You can substitute with old bay seasoning for a different twist of flavor.
- mayonnaise- Use real mayonnaise, not Miracle Whip. For a healthier option, use half mayonnaise and half Greek yogurt.
*Full recipe with ingredient measurements is located at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.
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.
- 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.
- Remove shrimp from water and place on ice to cool off immediately.
- Meanwhile, cook shell pasta. Drain pasta and rinse with cold water until pasta is completely chilled. Set aside.
- Chop shrimp into bite sized pieces.
- Dice boiled eggs.
- Make dressing by mixing mayonnaise, lemon juice, and celery salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix pasta, diced onion, diced boiled eggs, chopped shrimp, and peas.
- Mix dressing with salad. Salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Watch how to make
Cooking Tips
- I suggest using the larger sized shrimp or medium sized shrimp and cut into small bite sized pieces rather than using the tiny salad baby shrimp. The larger shrimp have more flavor.
- Make sure water is completely drained from shell pasta before mixing with the salad. Any extra water will make the salad runny.
- Chill pasta while prepping the other ingredients. Cold pasta will mix better with the dressing.
- 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.
- For best results, chill pasta salad an hour or more before serving.
Can you use frozen shrimp for pasta salad?
Yes. Just thaw completely, then cook according to the same recipe directions. I do not recommend frozen precooked shrimp, as their texture and flavor will not be as good as cooking your own.
Variations:
This is the traditional classic recipe for cold shrimp 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, red bell pepper, or green bell pepper.
- Use macaroni pasta instead of shell pasta.
- Add fresh dill or fresh parsley.
- Add diced bell pepper or red pepper.
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
Creamy Shrimp Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp-peeled and deveined uncooked, remove shells and tails
- 16 ounces shell pasta
- 1 ½ cup frozen peas
- 2 eggs boiled
- ½ onion diced
- 1 ½ cups mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon celery salt
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 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.1 pound shrimp-peeled and deveined
- Remove shrimp from water and place on ice to cool off immediately.
- Meanwhile, cook shell pasta. Drain pasta and rinse with cold water until pasta is completely chilled. Set aside in refrigerator while prepping other ingredients.16 ounces shell pasta
- Chop shrimp into bite sized pieces.
- Dice boiled eggs.2 eggs
- Make dressing by mixing mayonnaise, lemon juice, and celery salt.1 ½ cups mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, ½ teaspoon celery salt
- In a large mixing bowl, mix pasta, diced onion, diced boiled eggs, chopped shrimp, and peas.1 ½ cup frozen peas, ½ onion
- Mix in dressing. Salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.salt and pepper to taste
jean sinkel says
I made this and it was amazing. I did add celery seed along with the celery salt. I saved this because it was the best macaroni salad I ever tasted. Thank you for sharing this. I subscribed because I am sure all of your recipes will be amazing.
Cara says
Yum! I love a nice creamy, chilled pasta salad and this did not disappoint. Loved it!
Gloria says
Just in time for backyard parties. I am always on the lookout for new salads. This sounds like one my guests will love to try.
Nancy says
I have made this salad several times and it’s a favorite. Very flavorful and easy to make.
Heidy says
This shrimp salad recipe was delicious! I loved all the flavors. I can’t wait to make it again for our next gathering. It was so good!
I am looking forward to checking out some of your other recipes on your blog!
sara says
This would be great for a potluck! I have a feeling I would come home with an empty dish if I took this! I love the idea of adding shrimp into macaroni salad. So good!
Moop Brown says
This recipe turned out great and is perfect for large gatherings. Definitely something everyone will enjoy!
Loreto and Nicoletta says
I love this salad, and I think it is perfect for that outdoor backyard meal! YUM!
Thank you for sharing.
Amanda says
This is the perfect spring and summer salad and it is soooo good! The flavor is light and fresh… such a great recipe!
Anna says
I made this last night, as I'm trying some different recipes to use for this Easter and our family gathering and it is a winner! Delicious, easy to make, and I just know my whole family is going to absolutely love this salad!
Devan says
Oh, I LOVE shrimp salad, especially for hot summer nights. Love how you added celery salt to this for a little extra umami.
Keep up the great work,
Devan
veenaazmanov says
Love this concept of a cold Salad and the addition of shrimps make it unique. Kids to feast on it. Perfect for Summers.
Megan says
A real favourite meal here. I could eat this every day of the week.
Mikayla says
What a terrific salad for a hot evening or a weekend get together you are invited to, everyone will love it.
Nancy says
I added celery, used small shrimp and it was delicious! I worried it wouldn’t be flavorful with only salt, pepper and celery salt as spices. I was wrong…it was seasoned perfectly and full of flavor. The amount of Mayo was balanced perfectly and the salad was not overpowering with dressing. We loved this recipe and will definitely make again.
Anita says
Tip: "Precooked shrimp that has been refrozen looses its flavor." The word you want is LOSES, not LOOSES. Other than that, a delicious, simple pasta & shrimp salad recipe. We enjoyed it!