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Shrimp Macaroni Salad

Creamy Shrimp Macaroni Salad Perfect for Summer BBQs

Delight in this creamy Shrimp Macaroni Salad, perfect for summer BBQs and fresh gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni cook to al dente for best texture
  • 1 cup diced red bell pepper adds sweetness and crunch
  • 1 cup diced green bell pepper can be omitted or replaced with cucumber
  • 1 cup diced celery adjust quantity based on preference
  • 1 pound extra small cooked shrimp peeled & deveined
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup mayonnaise consider substituting with Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup sour cream can be replaced with additional mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice fresh juice is best
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard yellow mustard is an acceptable alternative
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill dried dill can also be used—reduce to 1 teaspoon
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder feel free to omit if preferred
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground is recommended

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Mixing Bowl
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the macaroni aside to cool completely.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, fresh dill, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Ensure the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, diced red and green bell peppers, diced celery, and cooked shrimp. Gently toss the ingredients together to distribute them evenly.
  4. Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta mixture. Using a spatula, carefully fold the dressing into the salad, making sure every piece is well-coated.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but ideally overnight.
  6. When ready to serve, give the salad a quick stir. If it appears a bit dry, add a splash of milk or a dollop of mayonnaise to restore its creamy consistency.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 15gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 480mgPotassium: 270mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving.

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