Aunt Bee’s Shrimp Pasta Salad

Craving a creamy, refreshing pasta salad that’s perfect for any gathering or a quick lunch? Aunt Bee’s Shrimp Pasta Salad is my go-to recipe when I want something deliciously satisfying with a hint of tang and a burst of seafood flavor.

This salad combines tender elbow pasta with savory shrimp chunks, crisp celery, sweet peas, and a rich dressing made from mayonnaise, sour cream, and just the right amount of vinegar and sugar for balance.

Ingredients List

• 2 cups mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
• 16 ounces elbow pasta, cooked and drained
• 1 pound imitation crab meat chunks (or substitute with cooked shrimp)
• 1 cup green peas, frozen
• 4 stalks celery, trimmed and minced

This combination creates a pasta salad that’s creamy, tangy, and packed with texture, making it a standout dish for potlucks, picnics, or just a tasty family meal.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make Aunt Bee’s Shrimp Pasta Salad easily and efficiently, having the right kitchen tools really helps. Here are the essentials I use every time:

1. Large Mixing Bowl – For combining the dressing ingredients and tossing the salad.
2. Whisk – To blend the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper smoothly.
3. Measuring Cups and Spoons – Accurate measurements are key to balancing flavors.
4. Colander – To drain the cooked pasta and peas properly.
5. Cutting Board and Knife – For trimming and mincing the celery stalks.
6. Spatula or Large Spoon – To gently fold the pasta and seafood into the dressing without breaking them.

Having these handy makes the process quick and keeps everything neat!

Dressing Preparation

The secret to Aunt Bee’s Shrimp Pasta Salad is the creamy, tangy dressing that ties all the flavors together. Here’s how I prepare it:

In a large mixing bowl, I whisk together 2 cups of mayonnaise, 1/3 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup white vinegar, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper. Whisking these ingredients well ensures a smooth, creamy base with the perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness.

I then reserve 1 cup of this dressing separately in a covered container—this helps keep the salad extra creamy right before serving, which I’ll explain in the next steps.

Assembling the Shrimp Pasta Salad

Once the dressing is ready, it’s time to bring everything together. I start by making sure my elbow pasta is cooked al dente, drained, and completely cooled. Warm pasta will thin out the dressing, so cooling is important.

In the large bowl with the dressing (minus the 1 cup I reserved), I gently fold in the cooked pasta, 1 pound of imitation crab meat (you can sub in cooked shrimp if preferred), 1 cup of frozen peas (no need to thaw—they’ll chill the salad nicely), and 4 minced celery stalks for that perfect crunch.

Using a large spoon or spatula, I fold everything together slowly, making sure the dressing coats every bite. Be gentle—especially with the crab or shrimp—so you don’t break it up too much.

Chill Time

After everything’s well mixed, I cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours. This gives all the flavors time to meld and intensify. It’s even better if you leave it overnight.

Just before serving, I stir in that reserved 1 cup of dressing. This last step ensures the salad is extra creamy and hasn’t dried out during refrigeration. It’s my little trick for keeping it fresh and luscious every time.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Aunt Bee’s Shrimp Pasta Salad is best served chilled and makes a fantastic addition to backyard BBQs, summer potlucks, or weeknight dinners. I love serving it as a side with grilled chicken or burgers, but it also works beautifully as a light main dish on its own.

Easy Variations:

• Swap the Protein: Don’t love imitation crab? Use cooked shrimp, lump crab meat, or even diced cooked chicken.
• Add a Crunch: A handful of chopped red onion, bell pepper, or water chestnuts adds a great texture contrast.
• Herb Boost: Toss in some fresh dill, parsley, or chives for a fresh herbal note.

This recipe is flexible and forgiving—feel free to make it your own!

Storage Instructions

If you’re making this salad ahead of time (which I often do!), store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 3 days. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving, especially if it’s been sitting for a while.

Can You Freeze It?

I wouldn’t recommend freezing this pasta salad. The creamy dressing doesn’t hold up well to freezing and thawing—it tends to separate and lose that rich, smooth texture.

Conclusion

Aunt Bee’s Shrimp Pasta Salad is a true comfort food classic—cool, creamy, and loaded with flavor and texture. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for make-ahead meals, and endlessly adaptable to your taste. Whether you stick with the traditional imitation crab or opt for shrimp or chicken, this recipe delivers every time.

So next time you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing cold pasta dish, give Aunt Bee’s version a try. It might just become a new family favorite in your home, too.