This shrimp Caesar pasta salad is everything we love about pasta salad and Caesar salad in one bowl. It’s creamy, crunchy, and ideal for weeknights because it’s easy to toss together and ready in just 25 minutes!
There are so many things I love about this shrimp Caesar pasta salad. It’s made with toothsome rotini, crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and perfectly seasoned shrimp, all lightly tossed in a creamy, zippy dressing. It’s hearty enough to feel satisfying but still fresh and light, which is exactly what I want from a meal-style salad.
This is my go-to twist on a classic Caesar when I want something a little more special. I’ll serve it as an easy weeknight dinner, but it really shines at summer BBQs and outdoor gatherings, where it disappears fast. I think it tastes best with my homemade easy Caesar dressing , though a good store-bought version works in a pinch. To make things even easier, I often prep the dressing and croutons ahead of time so all that’s left to do is toss everything together right before serving.
How to make homemade croutons
Making your own croutons is surprisingly easy to do and a great way to use up bread that would otherwise go in the compost. Homemade croutons are also way tastier than store-bought.
To make them, simply dice some bread, toss it in olive oil and seasonings (like Italian seasoning and a bit of parmesan cheese), and bake until crispy. Use them right away, or let them cool and store them in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks.
Try this salad with my garlic parmesan croutons or bacon croutons .
Ideas for serving caesar pasta salad
This Caesar pasta salad with shrimp has all the components of a complete meal. For a heartier meal, sometimes it alongside grilled pork chops or BBQ chicken .
Since pasta salad is the ultimate picnic, party, and potluck food, make a big batch for a delicious spin on classic pasta salad that everyone will love!
Shrimp Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe
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Ingredients
- ▢ 8 ounces rotini pasta
- ▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ▢ 1 lb shrimp (dried with paper towels)
- ▢ 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- ▢ 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ▢ ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ▢ ½ lemon
- ▢ 4 cups romaine hearts (chopped)
- ▢ 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes (cut in half)
- ▢ 1 cup croutons
- ▢ 1 cup caesar salad dressing
- ▢ ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the rotini and cook according to the package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water until completely cool. 8 ounces rotini pasta
- Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the shrimp, paprika, Italian seasoning, and salt and stir well. Cook the shrimp for 2 minutes then remove the pan from the heat and squeeze the lemon juice over the top. 1 lb shrimp, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon sea salt, ½ lemon
- Add the cooked and cooled pasta, the cooked shrimp, romaine, cherry tomatoes, croutons, and parmesan to a large salad bowl. Pour the dressing over top and toss to coat. 4 cups romaine hearts, 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, 1 cup croutons, 1 cup caesar salad dressing
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Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here .
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More delicious Caesar salad recipes
For more inspiration, check out all of our salad recipes !
Kale Caesar Salad with Bacon & Homemade Croutons
Broccoli Caesar Salad
Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad (with roasted and raw brussels)
Arugula Caesar Salad with Crouton Crispies
Shrimp Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb shrimp , dried with paper towels
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ lemon
- 4 cups romaine hearts , chopped
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes , cut in half
- 1 cup croutons
- 1 cup caesar salad dressing
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the rotini and cook according to the package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water until completely cool. 8 ounces rotini pasta
- Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the shrimp, paprika, Italian seasoning, and salt and stir well. Cook the shrimp for 2 minutes then remove the pan from the heat and squeeze the lemon juice over the top. 1 lb shrimp, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon sea salt, ½ lemon
- Add the cooked and cooled pasta, the cooked shrimp, romaine, cherry tomatoes, croutons, and parmesan to a large salad bowl. Pour the dressing over top and toss to coat. 4 cups romaine hearts, 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, 1 cup croutons, 1 cup caesar salad dressing
