Best 2 Shrimp And Pasta Shell Salad Recipes

Shrimp and Pasta Shell Salad: A Delightful Blend of Flavors

Indulge in the irresistible Shrimp and Pasta Shell Salad, a culinary masterpiece that tantalizes your taste buds with its vibrant flavors and textures. This delightful dish combines succulent shrimp, tender pasta shells, and a medley of crisp vegetables, all harmoniously united by a tangy homemade dressing. Each bite offers a satisfying symphony of flavors, from the briny sweetness of the shrimp to the refreshing crunch of the vegetables. Whether served as a light lunch, a vibrant side dish, or a delectable appetizer, this salad promises to impress your palate and leave you craving more.

Accompanying the main recipe are three irresistible variations that cater to diverse preferences and dietary needs. The Greek Shrimp and Pasta Salad adds a Mediterranean flair with Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a zesty lemon-herb dressing. For a creamy and indulgent twist, the Creamy Shrimp and Pasta Salad incorporates a luscious avocado-based dressing, while the Spicy Shrimp and Pasta Salad ignites your senses with a fiery kick from cayenne pepper and Sriracha sauce. With these diverse options, there's a perfect Shrimp and Pasta Shell Salad for every palate and occasion.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

SHRIMP AND PASTA SHELL SALAD

Shrimp and Pasta Shell Salad image

When I want to make a macaroni salad just a little bit extra-special, nothing does the trick like some small, sweet shrimp. This is one of my favorite summer salads, and it's oh-so-easy.

Provided by Chef John

Categories Salad Seafood Salad Recipes Shrimp Salad Recipes

Time 2h35m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

1 ¼ cups mayonnaise, or more if needed
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons ketchup
¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
1 lemon, juiced
⅓ cup chopped fresh dill
1 (12 ounce) package small pasta shells
1 pound cooked, peeled, and deveined small shrimp - cut in half
½ cup finely diced red bell pepper
¾ cup diced celery
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 pinch paprika, for garnish
3 sprigs fresh dill, or as desired

Steps:

Whisk 1 1/4 cup mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and cayenne pepper together in a bowl; add lemon juice and 1/3 cup chopped dill. Whisk until thoroughly combined. Refrigerate.
Bring a pot of well-salted water to a boil and stir in pasta shells; cook until tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool pasta slightly; drain again. Transfer to a large bowl.
Toss shrimp with pasta; add red bell pepper, celery, and dressing to pasta and shrimp. Mix thoroughly to coat and fill shells with dressing. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled, 2 to 3 hours.
Stir salad again before serving and season to taste with more salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper if desired. If salad seems a little dry, mix in a little more mayonnaise. Garnish with paprika and sprigs of dill.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 450.9 calories, Carbohydrate 33.8 g, Cholesterol 99.3 mg, Fat 28.8 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 15.4 g, SaturatedFat 4.4 g, Sodium 663.8 mg, Sugar 2.8 g

PASTA SHELL AND SHRIMP OR HAM SALAD

Pasta Shell and Shrimp or Ham Salad image

Make and share this Pasta Shell and Shrimp or Ham Salad recipe from Food.com.

Provided by gailanng

Categories Weeknight

Time 30m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

2 cups pasta shells, cooked al dente
1 tomatoes, chopped
1 cup boiled shrimp, cold (can substitute cooked ham)
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon minced shallot
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon minced celery
1 tablespoon minced carrot
1 tablespoon minced green and red bell pepper
1/2 cup blend olive oil and vegetable oil (depending on taste and strength of olive oil)
1 teaspoon minced parsley
1 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon thyme
salt and pepper

Steps:

Place the cooked and cooled pasta in a bowl and toss with tomato and shrimp or ham.
In a separate bowl, whisk together vinegar and Dijon mustard. Add shallots, garlic, celery, carrot, red and green bell peppers. Stir well then add the olive/vegetable oil blend in a thin stream, whisking constantly.
Whisk in parsley, basil, thyme and season with salt and pepper.
Fold the sauce into the pasta mixture and blend well. Refrigerate until ready to serve, but let sit 20 - 30 minutes at room temperature until ready to serve.

Tips:

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your salad.
Don't overcook the shrimp. Shrimp cooks very quickly, so be careful not to overcook it or it will become tough and chewy.
Use a variety of vegetables. This will add color, flavor, and texture to your salad.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different dressings. There are many different types of dressings that can be used on a shrimp and pasta salad, so feel free to try something new.
Make sure to chill the salad before serving. This will help the flavors to meld together and will make the salad more refreshing.

Conclusion:

Shrimp and pasta salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give shrimp and pasta salad a try. You won't be disappointed!