Po’ Boy Shrimp Pasta Salad

Your favorite Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich gets a bold and irresistible makeover in this Shrimp Pasta Salad featuring the BEST Creamy Remoulade Dressing that has readers raving: โ€œYou did it again.. Iโ€™m licking the bowl!โ€ โ€œThis recipe is stellar! Seriously, my family gobbled it up! and โ€œThis was so amazingโ€ฆWe all loved it.โ€

In addition to crafting the zippy, flavor-loaded dressing, Iโ€™m sharing my expert techniques to ensure perfectly seared, juicy, and flavorful shrimp every time. With step-by-step photos, pro tips, and easy variations, this shrimp pasta salad is guaranteed to be a knockout at any gathering!

Top view of easy Shrimp Pasta salad with tortellini, lettuce, tomatoes and shrimp


 

This is the BEST Shrimp Pasta Salad

I am beyond giddy to bring you this Po’ Boy Shrimp Pasta Salad just in time for the 4th because this isnโ€™t just any pasta salad, it is THE pasta salad everyone is going to be talking about, begging you for, and craving for daysssss!  I ate it all by myself over two days (because my husband is allergic to shrimp) and was so sad to see the last bite go!

  • Made with pillowy tortellini: Tortellini is a pasta salad game changer! It adds a rich, cheesy bite with irresistible texture that you will CRAVE!
  • Juicy, flavorful Cajun shrimp: Expertly seasoned with homemade Cajun seasoning and seared for a smoky, spicy kick in every morsel.
  • Creamy remoulade dressing: This is undoubtedly the most flavorful pasta salad dressing ever! A bold blend of mayo, Dijon, horseradish, relish, lemon juice, hot sauce, Cajun spices, and herbs, oh my!
  • Loaded with texture and crunch: Crisp Romaine, juicy tomatoes, tangy pickles, and zesty red onion add fresh contrast to the rich shrimp and dressing.
  • Perfect make-ahead meal: Tastes fabulous after chilling, making it great for gatherings, lunches, or meal prep.
side view of Shrimp Pasta salad with tortellini, lettuce, tomatoes and shrimp
ingredient icon

What you’ll need for Po’ Boy Shrimp Salad with Pasta

Let’s take a closer look at what you need to make this recipe (measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

  • Remoulade Dressing: A creamy, zesty mix of mayonnaise, olive oil, Dijon mustard, horseradish, lemon juice, pickle juice (from the chopped pickles), and a pinch of reserved Cajun seasoningโ€”bold, tangy, and packed with flavor.
  • Refrigerated cheese tortellini is the best choice for this pasta saladโ€”itโ€™s tender, quick to cook, and filled with rich, creamy cheese that adds flavor and body to the dish.
  • Look for a brand with high-quality ingredients and a good cheese-to-pasta ratio (like Buitoni or Rana).
  • Avoid dried tortellini, which can be too firm or bland for a fresh, vibrant salad like this.
  • Shrimp: Medium-sized, shelled, and deveined with tails on for easy prep and perfect bite-sized pieces. Use fresh shrimp or thawed shrimp.
  • I like to buy my shrimp by the frozen bagful at Costco because they come shelled and deveined, so all thatโ€™s left to do is thaw.  For more details on how to defrost shrimp, see my Shrimp Fajitas
  • Cajun Spice Mix: A robust blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, oregano, thyme, black pepper, and cayenne for smoky, spicy, well-rounded flavor.
  • Cherry tomatoes: Juicy, sweet bursts of freshness that balance the creamy dressing and spicy shrimp. You may also use grape tomatoes.
  • Dill pickles: Chopped for a tangy, crunchy pop that enhances the remoulade dressing.
  • Romaine lettuce: Discard the very top flimsy part of the Romaine because it doesnโ€™t have as much crunch, then use the lettuce closest to the bottom stem for maximum crunch.
  • Red onion: Thinly sliced for a mild, zippy bite that complements the bold flavors.
up close of best Shrimp Pasta Salad tossed with creamy Remoulade mayo dressing

How to Make Shrimp Pasta Salad:

Let’s take a closer look at how to make this recipe with step-by-step photos (full recipe in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

  • Step 1: Whisk together the homemade Cajun seasonings.
  • Step 2: Add some Cajun seasoning and Remoulade Dressing ingredients to a small bowl and whisk to combine. Chill in the refrigerator.
Showing how to make dressing with mayo for Shrimp Pasta salad by adding mayo, mustard, horseradish, lemon juice to glass bowl
  • Step 3: Toss your shrimp with olive oil and Cajun Seasoning.
Showing how to make Shrimp Pasta salad by mixing raw shrimp with Cajun seasoning, olive oil and lemon juice
  • Step 4: Cook your tortellini according to package directions. You could swap out the tortellini for your favorite pasta, along with one cup chopped cheese, but honestly, it doesnโ€™t get better than tortellini!
  • Step 5: While your tortellini is cooking, prepare the remaining ingredients and cook the shrimp.
Showing how to make Shrimp Pasta Salad by cooking Cajun shrimp in a black pan
  • Step 6: Drain tortellini and rinse with cool water then toss with a splash of olive oil.
  • Step 7: Add all of the ingredients to a large, bowl, toss and serve!
Dressing with mayo for Shrimp Pasts Salad being drizzled over shrimp
up close of Cajun Shrimp in Shrimp Pasta Salad

Helpful tips to make Cold Shrimp Pasta Salad

  • Donโ€™t overcook tortellini. It is important to not overcook your tortellini otherwise it will fall apart when tossed.
  • Donโ€™t overcrowd your shrimp. Cook shrimp in two batches so they are not overcrowded otherwise they will steam instead of sear.  Allow your oil to return to medium-high heat in between batches.
  • Hands off. In order to develop a deep colorful sear on your shrimp, donโ€™t touch it for 2 minutes, flip, and then donโ€™t touch it again until itโ€™s cooked through.
  • Shrimp are perfectly cooked when they turn opaque and pink with bright red tails and form a loose โ€œCโ€ shape. Avoid overcookingโ€”if they curl tightly into an โ€œO,โ€ theyโ€™re likely tough and overdone.
  • Cool tortellini. Unlike vinaigrette dressings, you will want to make sure the pasta is completely cool before mixing in the creamy dressing to ensure the dressing doesnโ€™t separate.
  • Adjust the spice level. This Po Boy Shrimp Pasta Salad has a kick to it but should not be overly spicy so everyone can enjoy it.  If you want to make it spicier, add hot sauce to the Dressing to taste.
top view of best Shrimp Pasta Salad tossed with creamy Remoulade mayo dressing

What to serve with Pasta Shrimp Salad

This Shrimp Pasta Salad recipe is a show stopping side dish perfect for any summer gathering or a light lunch or dinner any time of year! Here are some dishes it pairs well with:

up close of scoop of easy Shrimp Pasta Salad being scooped with wood tongs

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Top view of easy Shrimp Pasta salad with tortellini, lettuce, tomatoes and shrimp

Po Boy Shrimp Pasta Salad

Your favorite Shrimp Po Bo Sandwich turned into sensational Shrimp Pasta Salad with Creamy Remoulade Dressing! This Shrimp Pasta Salad is quick and easy to prepare and is guaranteed to be the hit of every potluck, barbecue and cookout!
Servings: 8 -10 servings
Total Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes

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Ingredients

Pasta Salad

  • 20 oz. refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 1 pound medium shrimp shelled, deveined tails on
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
  • 2/3 cup chopped Dill pickles
  • 2 cups packed roughly chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1/4 thinly sliced small red onion
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cajun Spice Mix

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp EACH garlic powder, onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp EACH salt, dried oregano, dried thyme
  • 1/4 tsp EACH pepper, cayenne pepper

Remoulade Dressing

Instructions

  • Whisk together all of the Cajun Seasoning Mix in a small bowl. Remove ½ teaspoon to a medium bowl. Add all of the Remoulade Dressing ingredients to this ½ teaspoon and whisk together. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  • Add shrimp to a medium bowl. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil and all remaining Cajun Seasoning. Let sit at room temperature while you prep your other ingredients and cook your pasta.
  • Cook tortellini in generously salted water according to package directions, taking care not to overcook. Drain the pasta, rinse with cold water then toss with a drizzle of olive oil to keep it from sticking together.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add half of the shrimp in an even layer and cook 2 minutes, then flip shrimp over and cook another 2 minutes or until cooked through. Once cool enough to handle, remove tails from shrimp.

To Serve immediately:

  • Add all of the salad ingredients to a large bowl. Add desired amount of Remoulade Dressing and toss until evenly coated. Season with additional salt, pepper and/or hot sauce to taste.

To Make Ahead

  • Add all of the salad ingredients EXCEPT romaine to a large bowl and toss with half of the dressing once the pasta has cooled. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Refrigerate the lettuce separately.
  • When ready to serve, add the lettuce, and desired amount of reserved dressing and toss until evenly combined. Taste and season with additional salt, pepper and/or hot sauce to taste.

Notes

*Discard the very top flimsy part of the Romaine because it doesnโ€™t have as much crunch then use the lettuce closest to the bottom stem for maximum crunch.
**You can make the dressing up to 24 hours in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.ย  If you choose to make it this far in advance, you might want to add a little more lemon before tossing as the lemon will mellow over time โ€“ just taste first and then make the call.
How spicy? ย This Po Boy Shrimp Pasta Salad has a kick to it but should not be overly spicy so everyone can enjoy it.ย  If you want to make it spicier, add hot sauce to the Dressing to taste.

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ยฉCarlsbad Cravings Original

A version of this Pasta Salad recipe first appeared on The Slow Roasted Italian where I am a contributor.

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16 Comments

  1. Mike from Chili Pepper Madness says

    Just. THIS. I love all these flavors. Shrimp po’ boys are my absolute favorite. In a pasta salad! YES!

    • Jen says

      Thank you Mike! If you love Shrimp Po’ Boys, you are going to LOVE this salad!!!

  2. Sahar says

    Hi Jen
    You did it again.. I’m licking the bowl!
    I want to thank you after you post each & every single recipe.. But then that would be like stalking ๐Ÿ™‚ ๐Ÿ™‚
    So just know that every time I try your recipe I send a prayer your way.. Stay blessed!

    • Jen says

      Yessss! Thank you so much Sahar! I am so happy you loved this recipe and honored you have been enjoying so many of my recipes! Thanks for all the prayers :)!

  3. Lin says

    I second Sahar’s comment about your fantatsic recipes! Since finding your website, I have been printing most all of the recipes and making my own “collection” of them. I do hope you’ll consider writing a cookbook! Now about Po’ Boys…living in PA Dutch Country, I had heard of them but never knew exactly what they were, and still don’t know what sets them apart. But I can’t imagine they are any better than this Shrimp Salad! I love that there is just the right amount of other herbs so that I can enjoy the flavor without all of the heat. I know, that’s probably the signature of a Po’ Boy, but remember, in this part of the country, I’m used to “7 Sweets and 7 Sours”!

    • Jen says

      Hi Lin, sorry for the delay as I responded in my last comment I was on a cruise and without internet and finally catching up on comments! I love coming home to comments like yours though, thank you so much for your kind words! That is awesome and humbling you are making a “collection” of all my recipes! Even if you’ve never had Po’ Boys before, I think you will adore this shrimp pasta salad! I can’t wait to hear what you think!

    • Jen says

      Hi Lin,
      It’s finally happening! Thank you so much for your previous interest in a cookbook xo
      I’m excited to inform you it’s now available for presale! Copy and paste the following into your browser: https://carlsbadcravings.com/home/cookbook/ OR Google “Carlsbad Cravings Cookbook”:
      Happy Cooking!

  4. Gaynell R says

    Ok I want to start by saying I love your blog then say I’m a Southeast Louisiana girl and I can tell you this recipe has my attention. I will be making this recipe very soon. One thing we know here is good too and I want to say you have some very impressive recipes. I lost count of all the recipes I have pinned of yours. I second the commenter above about you publishing a cookbook. I am a book love and a cookbook lover so no matter that I can get a recipe online I still love buying cookbooks.

    • Jen says

      Thank you so much for your kind comment Gaynell! I’m excited for you to try this Po’ Boy Shrimp Pasta Salad – I hope you love it as much as us! I love cookbooks as well- if anything changes I’ll be sure to let my readers know!

    • Jen says

      Hi Gaynell,
      It’s finally happening! Thank you so much for your previous interest in a cookbook xo
      I’m excited to inform you it’s now available for presale! Copy and paste the following into your browser: https://carlsbadcravings.com/home/cookbook/ OR Google “Carlsbad Cravings Cookbook”:
      Happy Cooking!

  5. Teri Craven says

    I don’t normally comment on recipes that I find through pinterest, but I wanted to reach out and say that this recipe is stellar! Seriously, my family gobbled it up! Definitely going into my regular rotation for the warmer months!

    • Jen says

      Thank you so much for your awesome comment Teri, I’m thrilled this shrimp pasta salad was such a winner!

  6. Jennifer Fulk says

    This looks great! Could the shrimp be grilled on skewers instead of cooking in the skillet?

  7. Jennifer Fulk says

    Delicious! This was so amazing. We grilled the shrimp but otherwise followed everything exactly. We all loved it. The leftovers were delicious too. Served it with toasted sourdough bread.

    • Jen says

      I’m so pleased it was a hit – love the pairing with toasted sourdough!