Delicious and creamy shrimp macaroni salad served in a bowl

The Best Shrimp Macaroni Salad – Creamy, Quick, and Customizable

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Why Make This Recipe

Shrimp macaroni salad is a delicious and versatile dish that offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures. It is creamy, quick to prepare, and can be easily customized to suit your taste. Whether you want a refreshing side dish for a summer picnic or a filling meal, this salad is sure to please. It’s packed with protein from the shrimp and brings together crunchy vegetables, making it a satisfying choice for everyone.

How to Make Shrimp Macaroni Salad

Ingredients

  • 1 pound shrimp
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup celery
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup green onions
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Directions

  1. Boil the shrimp in salted water for 2–3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them; this will help keep them tender. Drain and chill the shrimp in cold water.

  2. In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, which should take about 7–8 minutes. Drain and rinse the macaroni under cold water to stop the cooking process.

  3. Dice the celery, red bell pepper, and green onions into small, uniform pieces. This will give the salad a balanced texture and delightful crunch in every bite.

  4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, fresh dill, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.

  5. In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the cooled pasta, shrimp, and chopped vegetables with the dressing until everything is evenly coated. Be gentle with the shrimp to avoid breaking them.

  6. Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes, but ideally up to an hour. This will allow the flavors to blend beautifully while the salad firms up.

  7. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and adjust the seasoning to your taste. Serve it chilled to enjoy the best flavor experience.

How to Serve Shrimp Macaroni Salad

This shrimp macaroni salad is best served cold. You can enjoy it as a side dish with grilled meats or sandwiches or have it as a light main dish. It also pairs well with fresh greens or a slice of crusty bread.

How to Store Shrimp Macaroni Salad

Store any leftover shrimp macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 2–3 days. If the salad seems dry after being stored, you can add a little more mayonnaise or sour cream to moisten it.

Tips to Make Shrimp Macaroni Salad

  • For extra flavor, you can add some chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro.
  • If you like a bit of spice, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
  • Try using different pasta shapes, like rotini or penne, for a fun twist on the texture.

Variation

You can customize this salad by adding other ingredients such as diced cucumbers, peas, or even avocado for creaminess. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite mix!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before boiling.

2. Is there a gluten-free option for macaroni?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free pasta instead of regular elbow macaroni.

3. How can I make this recipe vegan?
You can substitute shrimp with chickpeas or tofu and use vegan mayonnaise and sour cream for the dressing.

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Shrimp Macaroni Salad

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  • Author: jurgentukur
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian
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Description

A creamy and flavorful shrimp macaroni salad, perfect as a side dish or light main meal, packed with protein and crunchy vegetables.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound shrimp
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup celery, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup green onions, diced
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Boil the shrimp in salted water for 2–3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Drain and chill in cold water.
  2. In boiling salted water, cook the elbow macaroni for 7–8 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  3. Dice the celery, red bell pepper, and green onions into small pieces.
  4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, fresh dill, salt, and pepper until combined.
  5. In a large bowl, gently toss pasta, shrimp, and vegetables with the dressing until coated.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to blend flavors.
  7. Before serving, stir the salad and adjust seasoning. Serve chilled.

Notes

For extra flavor, add chopped herbs like parsley. For a spicy kick, include diced jalapeños in the dressing.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Chilling
  • Cuisine: American

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