Shrimp Macaroni Salad (Print Version)
Tender shrimp and al dente macaroni tossed with crisp vegetables in a creamy, tangy dressing. Perfect chilled for warm weather meals.
# What You Need:
→ Pasta & Seafood
01 - 8 oz elbow macaroni
02 - 8 oz cooked, peeled shrimp
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 cup celery, finely diced
04 - 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
05 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley, chopped
→ Dressing
07 - 2/3 cup mayonnaise
08 - 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt
09 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
10 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
11 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
12 - Salt and black pepper to taste
# Preparation Steps:
01 - Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold running water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Set aside to cool completely.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until fully combined and smooth.
03 - Add cooled macaroni, shrimp, celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and fresh herbs to the bowl with the dressing.
04 - Gently fold all ingredients together until evenly distributed and thoroughly coated with the dressing. Avoid overmixing to prevent breaking up the shrimp.
05 - Cover bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Stir before serving and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The creamy dressing clings to every curve of the macaroni, while the shrimp adds that perfect bite of protein that makes it feel substantial enough for dinner
- You can make it in the morning and let it hang out in the fridge, which means absolutely zero stress when guests arrive
02 -
- Rinsing the pasta under cold water isn't just about temperature, it stops the cooking process completely and washes away excess starch that would otherwise make the dressing gummy
- The salad needs those full 60 minutes in the fridge because the pasta absorbs the dressing and the flavors actually marry together instead of just coexisting in the same bowl
03 -
- Taste the shrimp before adding them, because if they're already seasoned you might not need as much salt in the dressing
- Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels before adding them, otherwise they'll make the salad watery within an hour