Shrimp Macaroni Salad Recipe
A refreshing and creamy Shrimp Macaroni Salad featuring tender elbow macaroni, colorful bell peppers, celery, and extra small cooked shrimp, all tossed in a zesty dill-infused creamy dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a crowd-pleasing side dish at gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp Macaroni Salad
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 12 ounces extra small cooked shrimp (peeled & deveined)
Creamy Dressing
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped small
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the instructions on the box until al dente or softer depending on your preference. Drain it in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Transfer to a large mixing or serving bowl and set aside.
- Prepare the dressing: While the pasta cooks, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, chopped fresh dill, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Whisk thoroughly until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Combine salad ingredients: Add the diced red and green bell peppers, diced celery, and cooked shrimp into the bowl with the macaroni pasta. Pour the creamy dressing over the top.
- Toss the salad: Gently toss all ingredients together until the macaroni, shrimp, and vegetables are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Chill before serving: Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. For best flavor, chill for 1-2 hours or overnight. If refrigerated overnight, stir in additional mayonnaise or a splash of milk to moisten before serving.
Notes
- The salad tastes best after chilling for 1-2 hours for the flavors to develop fully.
- If refrigerated overnight, the salad may thicken; add a little mayo or milk to loosen the texture before serving.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste depending on your preference.
- Extra small cooked shrimp makes for easier eating and balanced bites with pasta and veggies.
- Serve chilled as a refreshing side or light main dish.
Keywords: Shrimp Macaroni Salad, shrimp pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, easy seafood salad, dill macaroni salad
Find it online: https://islawhite.com/shrimp-macaroni-salad-recipe/
