Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Salad Recipe

🍤 Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Salad Recipe A Bold Twist on a Classic Favorite

If you’re looking for a dish that delivers both bold flavor and creamy indulgence, this Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Salad Recipe is the perfect fusion of spicy, sweet, and savory. Inspired by the popular appetizer, this recipe takes tender shrimp tossed in a creamy, tangy Bang Bang sauce and pairs it with perfectly cooked pasta and crisp vegetables. It’s a refreshing spin on traditional pasta salads, ideal for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or potluck parties.

What sets this Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Salad Recipe apart is its irresistible balance of textures and flavors. The lightly seasoned shrimp provide a touch of heat, while the creamy sauce adds a rich, satisfying finish. Fresh veggies like bell peppers, shredded cabbage, or green onions add crunch and color, making it not only delicious but also visually appealing. Whether served chilled or at room temperature, it’s a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.

Easy to prepare and ready in under 30 minutes, this Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Salad Recipe is great for meal prep or last-minute gatherings. You can also customize it with gluten-free pasta, lighter sauce options, or even grilled shrimp for a healthier twist. No matter how you serve it, this flavorful salad will steal the spotlight on any table.

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Salad

This Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Salad is a spicy, creamy, and flavor-packed twist on classic pasta salad. It combines crispy shrimp, tender pasta, crunchy veggies, and a bold homemade bang bang sauce. Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or a quick weeknight meal! 👩‍🍳 Author: Use Default (Don’t Show) 👥 Servings: 4 people Estimated Cost: $5 ⏱️ Times: Prep Time: 0 days, 0 hours, 15 minutes Cook Time: 0 days, 0 hours, 10 minutes Resting Time: 0 days, 0 hours, 10 minutes Total Time: 0 days, 0 hours, 35 minutes 📂 Categories: Main Dishes Salads Pasta Recipes 🍽️ Courses: Lunch Dinner Party Food 🌍 Cuisines: American Asian-Inspired Fusion 🔑 Keywords: Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Salad Recipe, spicy pasta salad, shrimp salad, summer salad, potluck recipe, creamy shrimp pasta

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

10 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Dinner, Lunch, Party Food

Cuisine: American

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 🥗 For the Pasta Salad:
• Amount Unit Name Notes
• 2 cups Cooked pasta Rotini penne, or bowtie preferred
• 1 lb Shrimp peeled & deveined Small or medium shrimp
• 1 tbsp Olive oil For sautéing the shrimp
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning Or your favorite blackening spice
• 1 cup Red cabbage Thinly shredded
• 1/2 cup Carrots Shredded or julienned
• 1/2 cup Red bell pepper Thinly sliced
• 2 Green onions Sliced
• 🔥 For the Bang Bang Sauce:
• Amount Unit Name Notes
• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise Regular or light
• 2 tbsp Sweet chili sauce Store-bought or homemade
• 1 tbsp Sriracha Adjust to spice level
• 1 tsp Honey Optional for extra sweetness
• 1 tsp Lime juice Freshly squeezed

Equipment

• Amount Name Notes
• 1 Large pot For cooking pasta
• 1 Skillet or pan For cooking shrimp
• 1 Mixing bowl For combining salad ingredients
• 1 Whisk For making sauce
• 1 Strainer For draining pasta

Method

 

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
2. Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Set aside to cool.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together all bang bang sauce ingredients: mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Adjust spice and sweetness to taste.
4. In a large bowl, combine pasta, cabbage, carrots, red bell pepper, green onions, and cooled shrimp.
5. Pour the bang bang sauce over the salad and toss well to coat evenly.
6. Let rest for 10 minutes in the fridge before serving to allow flavors to meld.
7. Garnish with extra green onions or sesame seeds if desired, and serve chilled or at room temperature.
8. 🔢 Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate):
9. Calories: 420 kcal
10. Protein: 20g
11. Carbs: 35g
12. Fat: 22g
13. Fiber: 3g

Notes

Use pre-cooked shrimp to save time.

Make it healthier by using Greek yogurt instead of mayo.

Add avocado or cucumber for extra freshness.

Can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.

✅ FAQs: Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Salad Recipe

Q1: What is Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Salad?
A1: Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Salad is a flavorful fusion dish made with cooked pasta, spicy shrimp, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy bang bang sauce. It’s inspired by the popular appetizer and reimagined as a satisfying cold salad.

Q2: Can I make Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Salad ahead of time?
A2: Yes! This salad is great for meal prep. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. For best texture, add the sauce and shrimp shortly before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

Q3: Is Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Salad spicy?
A3: The dish has a mild to medium heat depending on how much sriracha is used. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the sriracha in the sauce.

Q4: What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?
A4: Short pasta types like rotini, penne, or bowtie work best because they hold the sauce well and combine easily with shrimp and veggies.

Q5: Can I make it gluten-free?
A5: Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and double-check that your sweet chili sauce and seasonings are certified gluten-free.

💬 Share Your Twist!

Did you try this Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Salad with your own spin? Maybe you swapped the pasta, turned up the heat, or added your favorite veggies? We’d love to see your version! Drop your twist in the comments below or tag us on social media your creativity might just inspire another food lover’s next favorite dish.