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Avatar photoJohnson Maya

Creamy Shrimp Pasta Salad Recipe

This Chesapeake Bay-inspired creamy shrimp pasta salad bursts with Old Bay-spiced shrimp, tender pasta shells, and a tangy mayo-sour cream dressing laced with crisp celery and onions. Perfect for summer picnics, it's a crowd-pleasing seafood pasta salad that's easy, make-ahead, and full of coastal flavor.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 421
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • FOR THE SALAD:
  • 12 oz medium pasta shells
  • 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
  • FOR THE DRESSING:
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. creamy shrimp pasta salad recipeCard1
  2. Step 1: Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (9-10 min), drain, rinse cold, and set aside to cool fully. This prevents mushiness and ensures it absorbs dressing evenly during chilling.
  3. Step 2: Sauté shrimp with 1 tsp Old Bay in hot skillet 2-3 min/side until pink and curled; cool and chop. Pat dry post-cook for best texture integration.
  4. Step 3: Whisk dressing ingredients smooth, fold in pasta, shrimp, celery, and onions gently. Chill covered 2+ hours, stirring before serving for peak flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 421 | Carbohydrates: 37 | Protein: 18 | Fat: 22 | Fiber: 2 | Sugar: 3

Notes

STORAGE: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. Do not freeze as the texture will change.
MAKE AHEAD: You can prepare the full salad up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the fridge. Bring to room temperature 30 minutes before serving.
SUBSTITUTIONS: For a dairy-free version, substitute mayo and sour cream with vegan alternatives. Use gluten-free pasta as a 1:1 swap.
PRO TIPS: Rinse pasta cold immediately to stop cooking; chill dressing ingredients first for thicker consistency; taste and adjust Old Bay after chilling.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Serve chilled in a bowl with lemon wedges, alongside burgers or grilled chicken; garnish with extra Old Bay for presentation.
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