Shrimp Macaroni Salad (Printable)
Creamy salad with tender shrimp, al dente macaroni, crisp vegetables in tangy dressing.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta & Seafood
01 - 8 oz elbow macaroni
02 - 8 oz cooked, peeled shrimp, chopped if large
→ 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
# Directions:
01 - Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold running water to stop cooking process. Transfer to a large bowl and allow to cool completely.
02 - In a separate medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until mixture is smooth and well combined.
03 - Pour the dressing over cooled macaroni. Add shrimp, diced celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and fresh herbs. Gently fold together using a spatula until all components are evenly coated.
04 - Cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap or lid. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Stir gently before serving and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The combination of tender shrimp and crisp vegetables creates this incredible texture contrast that keeps every bite interesting
- That hour of chill time lets the flavors mingle into something that tastes like it came from a deli counter
02 -
- Rinse the pasta until it's genuinely cold, not just lukewarm, or you'll end up with slightly gummy noodles
- The salad needs that full hour in the refrigerator to taste its best—the flavors need time to get acquainted
03 -
- Cook the shrimp yourself if you have time—freshly cooked shrimp tastes infinitely better than precooked
- Cut all your vegetables to the same small dice size so every bite feels consistent and thoughtful