Southern Shrimp Pasta Salad

Southern Shrimp Pasta Salad is the kind of chilled, creamy dish that earns a spot at cookouts, potlucks, and easy summer lunches. Tender shrimp and small pasta shells are tossed with crisp celery, colorful bell peppers, red onion, and fresh chives, then coated in a bright mayo-and-sour-cream dressing with Dijon, lemon, paprika, and a touch of Old Bay. The shells catch just enough dressing in every bite, while the vegetables keep the salad fresh and crunchy.

It comes together with simple prep and gets even better after an hour or two in the refrigerator. Serve it as a generous side with grilled favorites or enjoy it as a light main dish. Make it ahead when needed, then give everything a good stir before serving. A final taste for salt or lemon keeps the flavors bright and balanced.

Recipe Yield: 8 servings

INGREDIENTS

16 oz small shell pasta
1 ½ lb cooked shrimp (peeled, deveined, fully thawed if frozen, and cut into bite-sized pieces if large)
¾ cup red onion (finely chopped)
1 ¼ cups celery (diced)
1 ¼ cups bell peppers (diced, preferably a mix of red and green)
1 cup mayonnaise
⅓ cup sour cream
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
3 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 ½ tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
¾ tsp salt (plus more to taste)
¾ tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (optional)
4 tbsp fresh chives (chopped, plus extra for garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cook the pasta:
Cook the shells in well-salted water until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water until cool, then drain very well.

2. Prepare the shrimp and vegetables:
Pat the shrimp dry and cut larger shrimp into bite-sized pieces. Add them to a large bowl with the onion, celery, bell peppers, and chives.

3. Mix the dressing:
Whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional Old Bay.

4. Combine the salad:
Add the cooled pasta to the shrimp and vegetables. Pour in the dressing and gently toss until evenly coated.

5. Chill:
Cover and refrigerate for 1–2 hours so the pasta can cool completely and the flavors can come together.

6. Finish and serve:
Stir well, taste, and adjust the salt or lemon juice if needed. Garnish with additional chives and serve chilled.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

• Drain everything well: After rinsing, let the pasta drain thoroughly and pat the shrimp dry. Extra moisture can dilute the creamy dressing.
• Taste after chilling: Pasta absorbs both dressing and seasoning as it rests. Before serving, stir well and add a little salt, lemon juice, or spoonful of mayonnaise only if needed.
• Make it ahead: This Southern Shrimp Pasta Salad can be prepared up to a day ahead. Keep it tightly covered and refrigerated, then stir before serving. Store leftovers chilled for up to 3 days.