Shrimp Macaroni Salad (Printable Version)

Creamy shrimp and macaroni salad with crisp vegetables in a tangy dressing

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta & Seafood

01 - 8 oz elbow macaroni
02 - 8 oz cooked, peeled shrimp, small or 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

# How To Make:

01 - Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold running water to stop cooking. 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 completely smooth and well combined.
03 - Add cooled macaroni, cooked shrimp, diced celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and chopped fresh herbs to the bowl with the dressing.
04 - Gently fold all ingredients together until evenly coated with dressing. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Stir again before serving and adjust seasoning if necessary.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The combination of tender shrimp and al dente pasta creates this satisfying texture that keeps you going back for just one more bite
  • Everything can be prepped ahead and it actually tastes better after the flavors have time to become friends in the fridge
02 -
  • I learned the hard way that adding shrimp to hot pasta makes them rubbery so let that pasta cool completely first
  • The salad needs that minimum hour in the fridge but tastes even better if you can make it the night before
03 -
  • Pat your shrimp really dry after rinsing so they don't water down your dressing
  • Taste the dressing before you toss it with everything so you can adjust the seasonings

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