Pasta Shell and Shrimp or Ham Salad
Perfect for warm-weather gatherings or a light lunch, this Pasta Shell and Shrimp or Ham Salad is a creamy and refreshing dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Featuring tender pasta shells paired with your choice of succulent shrimp or savory ham, this salad comes alive with a zesty dressing of mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Crunchy celery, sweet peas, and red onions add texture and brightness, while a touch of parsley offers a fresh, herby finish. Prep this easy pasta salad ahead of time, as chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Whether served as a side or a main, this crowd-pleaser is sure to satisfy! Perfect keywords for this recipe include "pasta salad with shrimp," "ham pasta salad," "easy summer salad," and "make-ahead pasta dishes."
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups medium pasta shells
- 1 cup cooked shrimp (peeled and deveined) or diced cooked ham
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
- 0.25 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 stalks celery (finely diced)
- 0.25 cup red onion (finely diced)
- 0.5 cup frozen peas (thawed)
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the medium pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
Drain the pasta, rinse under cold water, and set aside to fully cool.
In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth.
Add the cooked shrimp (or diced ham), celery, red onion, and thawed peas to the bowl.
Gently fold in the cooled pasta shells, ensuring everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
Season with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste.
If desired, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and flavor.
Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
721 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.6 g | 37% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.8 g | 29% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 133 mg | 44% | |
| Sodium | 727 mg | 32% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 87.7 g | 32% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.2 g | 19% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.9 g | ||
| Protein | 30.0 g | 60% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.6 mcg | 13% | |
| Calcium | 88 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 2.5 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 431 mg | 9% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
