Description
Creamy Shrimp Pasta Salad is the ultimate chilled dish for warm-weather cravings or quick dinner ideas. It’s a zesty blend of rotini pasta, tender shrimp, crisp veggies, and a tangy homemade dressing—all tossed together in one bowl. This easy recipe makes for an excellent healthy snack, meal prep lunch, or a crowd-pleasing side for BBQs. With bold flavor, satisfying texture, and ready in under 30 minutes, it’s one of those food ideas you’ll turn to again and again for both casual meals and entertaining.
Ingredients
8 oz rotini pasta
1 lb cooked shrimp
1/2 cup red onion
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup diced bell pepper
1 tbsp fresh dill
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1/2 avocado
Optional: 1 stalk celery
Optional: 1/4 cup shredded carrot
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Let cool.
2. Prepare shrimp: If raw, cook until pink and opaque. If pre-cooked, rinse and pat dry. Chill before using.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayo, mustard, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, shrimp, red onion, peas, bell pepper, and dill.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until fully coated.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
7. Before serving, garnish with more fresh dill and a sprinkle of black pepper.
8. Serve chilled as a main dish or side.
Notes
This salad tastes even better the next day—perfect for make-ahead lunches.
For a lighter version, substitute half the mayo with plain Greek yogurt.
Always chill ingredients before mixing to prevent a greasy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 580
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 17
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 23
- Cholesterol: 165
Keywords: shrimp pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, cold pasta dish, quick lunch, summer recipes