Shrimp Pesto Pasta Salad That Breaks All the Rules

I never thought I’d be obsessed with a pasta salad. Especially one that combines plump shrimp and vibrant basil pesto. It’s the kind of dish that sneaks into your life when you’re least expecting it—no fuss, a little messy, but wildly satisfying.

What really hooks me is how it smells. That garlicky pesto mingling with the salty aroma of shrimp, and somehow, it all smells like summer afternoons and lazy weekends. It’s the perfect thing to throw together after a long day, especially when you don’t want to cook much but still crave something memorable.

Right now, this salad feels just right. Bright, fresh, a little indulgent but still easy enough to whip up in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s cool enough to eat outside, which is pretty much all I want these days.

Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too)

• It’s a real shortcut—a meal that feels fancy but is actually easy to toss together.
• The smell alone makes you feel like you’re on vacation, even if it’s just for a lunch break.
• It’s perfect for those days when leftovers aren’t enough but you don’t want to turn on the oven.
• Can be made ahead. The flavors deepen overnight—bonus points for brunch the next day.
• It’s flexible. Add cherry tomatoes, sub in arugula, do whatever keeps it feeling fresh and simple.

All that said, it’s mainly about how unexpected this combo is. Never thought shrimp and pesto pasta salad would be my go-to anymore, but here we are.

Shrimp and Basil Pesto Pasta Salad

This pasta salad combines cooked shrimp and al dente pasta tossed with vibrant basil pesto. The dish has a fresh, chunky texture with a fragrant, herbaceous flavor profile and a colorful, appealing appearance. It is served chilled or at room temperature, making it a quick, satisfying, and visually inviting dish.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Calories: 430

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz penne or rotini pasta uncooked
• 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
• 1 cup basil pesto store-bought or homemade
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 lemon lemon juice freshly squeezed
• to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Skillet or saucepan for cooking shrimp
• Mixing bowl
• Cooking tongs or slotted spoon

Method

 

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the pasta and cook until just al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, then set aside.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, with a gentle sizzle and aromatic smell filling the air.
   12 oz penne or rotini pasta
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should develop a slight golden exterior and emit a savory aroma.
   12 oz penne or rotini pasta
4. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate and let them cool slightly, then chop into bite-sized pieces if desired.
   12 oz penne or rotini pasta
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, shrimp, and basil pesto. Pour the pesto evenly over the pasta, using tongs to gently toss everything together until well coated and vibrant green streaks are visible.
   12 oz penne or rotini pasta
6. Finish by adding lemon juice and seasoning with salt and pepper. Toss again to evenly distribute all flavors.
   12 oz penne or rotini pasta
7. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to a few hours to allow flavors to meld and chill the salad. The dish should be bright, colorful, and fragrant, with a slightly chewy pasta texture and tender, flavorful shrimp.

Notes

For extra flavor, add cherry tomatoes or fresh herbs. Make sure not to overcook the pasta or shrimp for optimal texture.

Some days, I think these recipes are just a way to keep sane. And then I remember how simple food can sneak happiness into a busy life. This one’s definitely in that category—easy, quick, a little rebellious, and just enough to make you forget about the chaos outside.