Creamy Cold Shrimp Pasta Salad
A delightful blend of shrimp, pasta, and fresh vegetables, all tied together with a creamy dressing. Perfect for any occasion.
Equipment
- 1 Large pot for boiling pasta and shrimp
- 1 Mixing Bowl large
- 1 Whisk
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 1/2 cup sliced celery
- 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Transfer to an ice bath to cool.
- In the same pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shrimp, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, celery, and red onion.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and shrimp mixture. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to taste.
- Serve the salad cold, garnished with fresh herbs like dill or parsley for added flavor.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
Pro Tips: Use fresh, large shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
Ingredient Substitutions: Can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter dressing. Substitute rotini with any pasta of choice.
How to Serve: Serve chilled as a main course or side dish. Garnish with fresh herbs for added flavor.
Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the salad a day in advance to allow flavors to meld. Add fresh herbs just before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions: Can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter dressing. Substitute rotini with any pasta of choice.
How to Serve: Serve chilled as a main course or side dish. Garnish with fresh herbs for added flavor.
Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the salad a day in advance to allow flavors to meld. Add fresh herbs just before serving.