Shrimp Scampi Pasta Salad

4.67 from 6 votes

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Salad

Transform one of your favorite classic pasta dishes into a delicious Summer side dish with this shrimp scampi pasta salad recipe. This delicious dish uses frozen shrimp scampi making it quick and easy to prepare. Tossed with pasta and crisp veggies in a bright flavorful creamy dressing perfect for entertaining.

Prep Time15

Cook Time15

Total Time30

Course: Pasta, Salad, Seafood, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 478kcal

Author: Meaghan @ 4 Sons R Us

Ingredients

1 lb pasta
2 lbs frozen shrimp scampi
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tsp freshly grated lemon zest
2 tsp minced garlic
1/2 cup celery chopped
1 bunch green onions thinly sliced
1 cup grape tomatoes halved lengthwise
6 tbsp seasoned juices from the cooked shrimp scampi

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Cook the pasta, according to the package directions. Drain, and run under cold water- tossing until cool to the touch. Set aside.
1 lb pasta
Cook the shrimp according to the package directions. Pick a couple of the plumpest shrimp, remove them from the skillet & set aside.
2 lbs frozen shrimp scampi
Use a slotted spoon, letting the juices drain back into the pan, and remove the rest of the shrimp to a waiting cutting board. Roughly chop them.
Scrape the pan, getting all the juicy bits and herbs up and whisked into the butter mixture. Measure 6 tablespoons of this out into a waiting prep bowl.
6 tbsp seasoned juices from the cooked shrimp scampi
To a large mixing bowl add the pasta, celery, onions, and tomatoes. Gently toss to evenly combine.
1/2 cup celery, 1 bunch green onions, 1 cup grape tomatoes
In a separate, small mixing bowl whisk together the mayo, zest, garlic, & shrimp butter. Whisk together until smooth.
1 cup mayonnaise, 2 tsp freshly grated lemon zest, 2 tsp minced garlic
Pour the dressing out over top of the salad mixture. Toss everything to coat evenly.
Cover the pasta salad and chill for 2-3 hours before serving.

Notes

When scooping the shrimp butter juices out of the pan, be sure to also get the seasonings- that's where the majority of the flavor will come from, not just the butter alone.
Taste the dressing before adding it to the pasta salad. If it doesn't have enough shrimp scampi flavor, continue adding slightly cooled drippings until it suits your taste.
Pasta likes to continue soaking up sauce while it sits, so it may dry out some during storing. If that happens just mix in a tablespoon or two of extra mayonnaise and add seasonings, if desired.

Nutrition