Bright, zesty, and packed with flavor, Amazing Shrimp Pasta Salad is the kind of dish that turns any meal into a celebration. The combination of succulent shrimp, tender rotini pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a lemony herb dressing creates a refreshing, savory balance that’s perfect for spring and summer. Whether you’re prepping for a cookout, potluck, or a laid-back weeknight dinner, this dish delivers both in taste and presentation.

The textures are as delightful as the flavors. The pasta offers a soft, chewy base, while the shrimp brings a slightly sweet, briny pop. Fresh parsley and a sprinkle of parmesan elevate the salad with a touch of elegance. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal go-to for busy nights, meal preps, or quick lunch ideas. One bite and you’ll see why it earns its name — it’s truly amazing.

Ingredients for Amazing Shrimp Pasta Salad

12 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced (optional)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
1/4 cup olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and black pepper to taste
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Lemon wedges, for garnish

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until well combined and emulsified. This lemony dressing brings a fresh brightness to the salad and enhances the shrimp flavor beautifully.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with the shrimp, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and chopped parsley. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything together gently until well coated.

Step 4: Add Finishing Touches

Sprinkle in the shredded parmesan cheese and give it one last gentle toss. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with lemon wedges and a bit more parsley or cheese before serving for a fresh, colorful finish.

Storage Instructions

To store your Amazing Shrimp Pasta Salad, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated and enjoy within 3 days for best flavor and freshness. Because shrimp is a delicate protein, it’s important not to let the salad sit at room temperature for extended periods.

If making ahead for an event, you can prepare the pasta and dressing a day in advance, then add the shrimp, herbs, and cheese closer to serving time to preserve their texture and brightness.

Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

Calories: ~390
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 145mg
Sodium: 450mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on specific brands or additions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of shrimp should I use?

Use medium to large cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined. You can buy them pre-cooked or cook them yourself — just be sure they’re chilled before mixing into the salad.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! It actually tastes better after sitting for an hour or so. Just add the parsley and cheese right before serving to keep them fresh.

What if I don’t have rotini?

You can use any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. The key is choosing a shape that holds the dressing well.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely. Just thaw them completely and pat dry before adding to the salad.

Is this dish served hot or cold?

It’s best served cold or room temperature, making it perfect for picnics, potlucks, and meal prep.

How can I make it spicy?

Add crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing, or mix in a dash of hot sauce for a bold kick.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes! Cucumbers, bell peppers, or avocado make great additions for extra color and texture.

What can I substitute for parmesan?

Try feta for a tangy twist or mozzarella pearls for a creamy bite.

Amazing Shrimp Pasta Salad

Author: Lorenzo Devereaux
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 6

Print Recipe

Description

Bursting with vibrant flavors and beautiful colors, this Amazing Shrimp Pasta Salad is your new favorite go-to for quick dinners, summer gatherings, and healthy lunch ideas. It’s a refreshing, light, and protein-packed dish that pairs tender pasta with juicy shrimp, fresh tomatoes, and a zesty lemon-garlic dressing. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner idea, a nutritious meal prep recipe, or something to impress at your next potluck, this pasta salad checks all the boxes. It’s easy, satisfying, and absolutely delicious—plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes.

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with shrimp, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is well coated.
Add shredded parmesan and toss once more.
Garnish with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of parsley.
Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dinner