Classic Bay Shrimp Pasta Salad with Celery and Sweet Pickles
A refreshing cold pasta salad featuring tender bay shrimp, crisp vegetables, and tangy sweet pickles tossed in a creamy Italian dressing blend. The whole wheat orecchiette provides hearty texture while celery, bell pepper, and red onion add fresh crunch. Seasoned with seafood seasoning for authentic coastal flavor, this salad is perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or as a light lunch. The combination of mayonnaise and Italian dressing creates a balanced, zesty coating that complements the sweet shrimp and vegetables beautifully.
Ingredients
- 1 16 oz package DeLallo Orecchiette whole wheat pasta, cooked and drainedregular pasta1:1Easy swap for different texture preference
5
- 2 pounds cooked bay shrimpmedium shrimp1:1
Use chopped if too large for balance
- 1 ½ cup celery, thinly sliced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, finely chopped
- ½ small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup sweet pickles, choppeddill pickles1:1
Changes flavor profile from sweet to tangy
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup DeLallo Italian salad dressing
- 1 Tbsp seafood seasoning
Instructions
- 1
Cook pasta in boiling salted water as directed on package
- 2
Rinse pasta under cold water and drain thoroughly
- 3
Mix together mayonnaise, Italian dressing, and seafood seasoning in a small bowl
- 4
Rinse and drain shrimp, then set aside
- 5
Combine pasta with celery, green pepper, red onion, sweet pickles, and parsley in a large bowl
- 6
Pour dressing over pasta mixture and add shrimp
- 7
Gently mix everything together and chill for 2 hours before serving
Tips
Rinse cooked pasta under cold water to stop cooking and cool quickly for the best texture in cold salad.
Chill the salad for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and develop properly.
Use pre-cooked bay shrimp for convenience, but ensure they're well-drained to prevent watery salad.
Good to Know
Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Can be made up to 1 day ahead; add fresh parsley just before serving.
Serve chilled as a side dish or light lunch.
Substitutions
Use chopped if too large for balance
Changes flavor profile from sweet to tangy
5
FAQ
Can I use frozen cooked shrimp instead of fresh?
Yes, thaw completely and drain well before adding to prevent excess moisture in the salad.
How long will this pasta salad keep in the refrigerator?
Store covered for up to 3 days, though best consumed within 2 days for optimal texture and freshness.
Can I make this without mayonnaise?
Yes, substitute with additional Italian dressing or use Greek yogurt for a lighter option.