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Shrimp Pesto Pasta Salad

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By: MadelinePosted: 07/07/2021Updated: 07/07/2021

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Add this Shrimp Pesto Pasta Salad to your next summer party menu! This simple bowtie pasta salad comes together in less than 30 minutes.

Above view of shrimp pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes in a serving bowl

Serve this shrimp pesto pasta as a simple summer meal or side dish at a backyard barbecue

I am always looking for simple summer meals that I can serve chilled for when its TOO hot to cook. Pasta salads are a great option because they are filling, satisfying and easy to make.

I love this pesto pasta salad because the shrimp add some extra protein to help keep me fuller. This dish is balanced enough to be the center of the meal OR it could be a delicious side dish at a backyard barbecue.

What shape of pasta is best for pasta salad?

I personally love a bowtie pasta salad. I like that the bowtie noodles grab the sauce and are the perfect size and shape to compliment the other ingredients.

Some other pasta shapes that work well for pasta salad are macaroni noodles, small shells, rotini pasta and even tortellini!

Above view of pesto shrimp pasta salad in a mixing bowl with fresh basil on top

Kitchen Tools

  • Large stock pot for boiling
  • Sauce pan for steaming shrimp
  • Measuring spoons and measuring cups
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Mixing bowls
  • Wooden spoon or spatula for mixing
Above view of ingredients for bowtie pasta salad

Ingredients

  • Bowtie pasta
  • Olive oil
  • Shrimp
  • Pesto – You can use my homemade walnut pesto or store bought
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • White balsamic vinegar
  • Salt, pepper, crushed red pepper
  • Fresh basil

Can i make this recipe dairy free?

Yes! You can easily make this recipe dairy free by swapping the standard pesto for a dairy free pesto. Trader Joe’s dairy free pesto sauce would be a great option!

Above view of step by step assembly for shrimp pesto pasta

How to make Shrimp Pesto Pasta Salad

Step 1: Boil bowtie pasta and steam shrimp

To begin, boil bowtie pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain pasta and place in a large mixing bowl. Toss pasta in olive oil.

While the pasta boils, steam shrimp in a steamer basket over boiling water. Timing will depend on the size of the shrimp, but you will know they are cooked through when the shrimp is pink and makes a C shape.

Step 2: Prep other ingredients and pesto sauce

Then, slice steamed shrimp into bite size pieces and cut cherry tomatoes into quarters. Add them to the mixing bowl with the cooked pasta and basil ribbons.

Next, in a small mixing bowl, whisk together pesto, white balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper. Pour pesto mixture into the large mixing bowl with the rest of the ingredients.

Step 3: Toss it all together

Finally, toss to combine fully. Top with extra basil and freshly grated parmesan to serve.

Above view of shrimp pesto pasta salad in a serving bowl

Storage and serving

Store this shrimp pesto pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I prefer to serve this salad at room temperature so I leave it out on the counter for about 30 minutes prior to serving it!

Check out these other summer side dishes

  • Mediterranean Shrimp Salad
  • Sourdough Panzanella Salad
  • Honey Mustard Three Bean Salad
  • Strawberry Quinoa Salad

You can find the full recipe below. If you make this recipe, please rate and review it in the comments, or share it with me on Instagram!

Image for pinning Shrimp Pesto Pasta Salad recipe on pinterest
Above view of shrimp pesto pasta salad in a serving bowl
Recipe

Shrimp Pesto Pasta Salad

★★★★★ 5 from 3 reviews

Combine pesto shrimp, cherry tomatoes and pasta for a perfect summer pasta dish!

Recipe By: Madeline
Prep: 10 minutesCook: 20 minutesTotal: 30 minutes
Print Pin it Rate recipe Save recipe
Servings: 10 servings 1x

Ingredients

  • 1 lb bowtie pasta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 8oz cherry tomatoes
  • 3/4 cup pesto
  • 2 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves cut into ribbons

Instructions

  1. Boil bowtie pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain pasta and place in a large mixing bowl. Toss pasta in olive oil.
  2. While the pasta boils, steam shrimp in a steamer basket over boiling water. Time will depend on the size of the shrimp, but you will know they are cooked through when the shrimp is pink and makes a C shape.
  3. Slice steamed shrimp into bite size pieces and cut cherry tomatoes into quarters. Add them to the mixing bowl with the cooked pasta and basil ribbons.
  4. In a small mixing bowl whisk together pesto, white balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper. Pour pesto mixture into the large mixing bowl with the rest of the ingredients.
  5. Toss to combine fully. Top with extra basil and freshly grated parmesan to serve.
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
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About Madeline

Hi, I'm Madeline! I am so excited to share my healthy and approachable recipes with you. Here you will find simple, comforting recipes that the whole family will enjoy. Turn on your favorite playlist or podcast and let's get cooking!

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Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Alex P says

    Posted on 7/19 at 10:26 pm

    So good and so easy to make!! Definitely a new go to summer side dish!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Madeline says

      Posted on 7/25 at 8:27 pm

      thank you!!

      Reply
  2. Katie says

    Posted on 7/20 at 3:57 pm

    This one is a WINNER! So easy and summery. I thought steaming the shrimp would be annoying but it was a necessary step in my opinion. Something about steaming rather than stir frying gives the perfect texture for a dish like this.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Madeline says

      Posted on 7/25 at 8:15 pm

      aw thank you!!!

      Reply
  3. Carolyne says

    Posted on 9/25 at 8:50 am

    This recipe is awesome! I subbed chicken as I’m allergic to shrimp and it was such a fabulous lunch option. Will certainly make again!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  4. Donna says

    Posted on 6/20 at 5:10 pm

    Delicious & Easy! Great for a summer salad/ dinner.

    Reply
    • Madeline says

      Posted on 6/26 at 3:54 pm

      wonderful! thank you!

      Reply

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Hi, I'm Madeline! I am so excited to share my healthy and approachable recipes with you. Here you will find simple, comforting recipes that the whole family will enjoy. Turn on your favorite playlist or podcast and let's get cooking!

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