Creamy, zesty, and bursting with bold flavors, this Shrimp Pasta Salad recipe is everything you want in a refreshing dish. It’s loaded with juicy shrimp, tender rotini, crisp veggies, and tossed in a tangy, herby dressing that brings everything together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re prepping for a backyard cookout, a picnic, or a lazy weeknight dinner, this salad is bound to be a hit.

This dish is incredibly versatile—serve it chilled as a light lunch or alongside grilled meats for a hearty side. It’s got texture, protein, crunch, and flavor in every bite, with pops of sweetness from the peas and bell peppers and a subtle kick from the red onion and creamy dressing. Perfectly balanced and crowd-pleasing!

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Pasta Salad

Quick to prepare: Ready in about 30 minutes.
Protein-packed: Juicy shrimp make it satisfying and light.
Creamy and crunchy: The creamy dressing balances the crisp veggies.
Make-ahead friendly: Tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.
Perfect for gatherings: Easy to double or triple for parties.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Getting everything ready ahead of time makes assembling this salad a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need:

Large pot: For boiling pasta and optionally blanching shrimp.
Colander: Essential for draining the cooked pasta and rinsing it with cold water to stop cooking.
Mixing bowls: A large one for tossing the salad, and a small one for whisking the dressing.
Sharp knife & cutting board: For chopping vegetables evenly.
Whisk or fork: To blend the creamy dressing until smooth.
Tongs or salad spoon: Helps combine everything gently without breaking the pasta or shrimp.

Each of these tools ensures efficiency and a clean assembly process—giving your shrimp pasta salad that polished, party-ready finish.

Ingredients for the Shrimp Pasta Salad

Rotini Pasta: Its spiral shape holds onto the creamy dressing perfectly.
Shrimp (peeled & cooked): Adds juicy, savory protein and a pop of flavor.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base for the dressing.
Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and smooth texture.
Dijon Mustard: Gives a zesty bite to the sauce.
Lemon Juice: Brightens up the whole salad.
Fresh Dill: Adds a refreshing herbal note.
Peas (frozen & thawed): Sweet and tender, they contrast beautifully with the other ingredients.
Red Onion: Provides a sharp crunch and bite.
Bell Peppers (any color): Add sweetness, color, and crunch.
Celery: For extra crispness and balance.
Salt & Black Pepper: To enhance and round out all the flavors.

How To Make the Shrimp Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini and cook until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

If using raw shrimp, boil or sauté until pink and cooked through. If using pre-cooked, simply thaw and pat dry. Slice large shrimp in half for easier bites.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and pepper until smooth and well blended.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine pasta, shrimp, peas, chopped red onion, diced bell peppers, and celery. Pour the dressing over and gently toss with tongs or a large spoon to coat everything evenly.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld. Garnish with extra dill before serving.

How to Serve and Store Shrimp Pasta Salad

Serve this shrimp pasta salad chilled for the best flavor and texture. It’s perfect as a main course for lunch or a side dish at a BBQ or picnic. Pair it with grilled chicken, corn on the cob, or crusty bread.

To store, transfer to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing. Freezing isn’t recommended as the dressing and veggies can lose their texture.