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Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Salad Recipe

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
Cook Time 10 minutes
10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
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.