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Shrimp Pasta Salad on a blue serving platter with lemon slices and a spoon
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Shrimp Pasta Salad Recipe

This easy Shrimp Pasta Salad is the perfect summer side or light dinner! Made with tender shrimp, pasta shells, crunchy veggies, and a creamy lemon-dijon dressing, it's fresh, flavorful, and ready in minutes. Great for picnics, BBQs, or quick lunches — and it’s even better the next day!
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Chilling Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 38 minutes
Course: Dinner, lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12
Author: Kellie
Cost: $20

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
  • 2 lbs cooked medium shrimp peeled and deveined, tails removed
  • 1 pound pasta cooked, drained and cooled
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 2 celery stalks chopped
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas thawed
  • 1/4 cup red onion diced
  • 3 tablespoons fresh chopped dill
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, zest, dijon, chives, salt and pepper until combined.
  • Chop the shrimp into thirds.
  • In a large bowl, toss together the shrimp, pasta, bell pepper, celery, peas and red onion. Fold in the dressing, being careful not to break up the shrimp too much, until evenly coated.
  • Stir in the fresh herbs. Cover and chill for 15 minutes.
  • Sprinkle with extra herbs before serving and serve with lemon wedges, if desired.

Notes

  • Make Ahead: This salad is even better after a few hours in the fridge, the flavors get a chance to really come together. Just give it a stir before serving.
  • Quick Shrimp Tip: If using raw shrimp, steam or sauté them quickly until pink and opaque, then cool before chopping. Or save time by using thawed, pre-cooked shrimp.
  • Pasta Shape Matters: Shells are great for holding onto the dressing, but rotini or bow ties work well too. Avoid delicate pastas that can get mushy.
  • Chill Before Serving: A short chill time (15–30 minutes) helps the salad firm up and lets the dressing soak into the pasta.
  • Add-ins: Want a little extra flavor or texture? Try adding halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, or crumbled feta cheese.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Replace the Greek yogurt with additional mayo or a dairy-free alternative to make this salad dairy-free.
  • Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 241kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 123mg | Sodium: 228mg | Potassium: 357mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 471IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 1mg