Shrimp Macaroni Salad is the perfect dish for those looking to add a little seafood flair to their summer gatherings. This creamy salad combines tender macaroni pasta with juicy, succulent shrimp, crisp veggies, and a tangy dressing thatâs both refreshing and satisfying. It’s an easy-to-make, flavorful salad that’s great for picnics, barbecues, or as a side for any casual meal.
To make this delicious salad, start by boiling macaroni pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside to drain completely.
Next, cook your shrimp by boiling or sautĂŠing them until theyâre pink and fully cookedâthis usually takes just a few minutes. Once the shrimp are done, chop them into bite-sized pieces. For an extra boost of flavor, you can season the shrimp with a little garlic powder, lemon juice, or Old Bay seasoning.
For the dressing, combine mayonnaise, a tablespoon of Dijon mustard, a bit of lemon juice, and a touch of vinegar. Stir until smooth, then season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika for extra flavor. If you like a little crunch, you can mix in finely diced celery or bell peppers.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shrimp, and any veggies you want to add (such as peas, diced onions, or bell peppers). Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss everything together until evenly coated. Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Shrimp Macaroni Salad is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or a main course. It’s the perfect addition to any summer meal, offering the combination of creamy, tangy flavors and the satisfying bite of shrimp. Whether youâre enjoying it at a family picnic or serving it at a barbecue, this salad is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
- 2 cups macaroni cooked and drained
- 1 cup shrimp cooked and peeled
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup celery chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion finely diced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice fresh
- 1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, shrimp, celery, and red onion.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and toss until well coated.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
I can’t cook but this seems easy. I might give it a shot.
I made this for a gathering and everyone loved it! Will make again for sure.
I don’t like shrimp but I tried it with chicken, still pretty good!
This salad was a hit at my BBQ! So creamy and flavorful! I’m definitely making it again.
Wow, that sounds delicious! Can’t wait to try it at my next gathering!
Shrimp and macaroni? sounds weird but surprisingly it works!
It was alright, but I donât think shrimp and pasta go together well. Not my fav.
I think shrimp and pasta can be great together! Maybe you just need to try a different sauce next time.
I dunno, I like shrimp with my noodles, but this salad ainât my cup of tea either.
Yummy!! I added some chili flakes for a kick. So delicious!
I found this recipe to be too rich for my taste. Maybe less mayo next time?
I think there’s too much mayo! It overpowers everything. Next time I’ll use less.
not tasty.. my kids hated it! Do kids even like shrimp? I don’t know!
Ew, shrimp in salad? That’s just wrong! Who eats that?!
I totally disagree! Shrimp in salad is delicious! You should try it before judging!
Delicious!!!
I love this salad! It’s perfect for summer BBQs.
This is so refreshing! I love the combination of shrimp and macaroni. Perfect for summer.
Yummy! My kids loved it! Even my picky eater. Success! đ
That’s awesome to hear! I love when kids find new favorites! đĽł
Wait, shrimp in macaroni salad? Kinda weird, dontcha think?
Great recipe! Used crab instead of shrimp ’cause I had it on hand. Still delicious! đ
Simple and quick to make! I even threw in some peas and corn. Delish!
I added a bit of garlic powder to mine and loved it! So good! 5 stars from me!
Garlic powder? Sounds interesting! I usually use fresh garlic, but I’m gonna try your trick next time! Thx for sharing!
I just put some extra spices, turned out nice, so that’s a plus!
So good! But next time I would use little more lemon juice.
I agree! A bit more lemon really brightens it up! đ
More lemon? Huh, I thought it was perfect as is. đ¤ˇââď¸
I dunno, it was just alright. A bit bland for my taste. 3/5
I thought it was amazing! A little tangy and perfect for summer picnics. Maybe you just need to adjust the seasoning to your taste!
i cant cook shrimp, they always turn out rubbery. no offense but i won’t be making this.
Isn’t this just a fancy way of saying tuna salad? Just wondering…
Kinda, but it’s way more than just tuna. You got shrimp and all the fresh veggies! Perfect for summer!
I dont know about the lemon juice…maybe too sour? Idk. But my kids gobble it up. So…
I was worried about the lemon too, but it really balances out the flavors! Glad your kids like it.
This salad is a hit at every picnic! Super easy to make and sooo yummy! My whole fam loved it!
I followed it mostly, but I added a little dill and a splash more lemon. Still super good. Next time Iâll dice the onion a bit smaller.
Huh, Iâm not sure about dill with shrimp⌠but if you liked it, who cares. I probably wouldnât chill it that long thoughâlike 20 mins is enough for me.
Love that you tweaked it! Dill + extra lemon actually sounds like it would brighten everything up. And yeah, dicing the onion smaller helps with the bitesânice tip.
The flavors melded nicely after chilling. However, the dressing felt a tad thick for my taste, so I might add a tablespoon of mayo or lemon next time (not sure which).
Hmm I disagreeâthicker dressing is what makes it stick to the pasta. If you add mayo or lemon, do a little at a time. I once added too much lemon and it tasted like salad dressing straight up.
Totally agreeâmine got a bit thick too. I usually loosen it with a splash more lemon juice (or even a little pickle juice) and it turns out perfect. đŚ
Is shrimp really necessary? Just tastes like mayo to me?? What’s the point if you can’t even taste the shrimp?
Too much salt – I would cut down next time.
I think the salt is fine, but everyone’s taste is different! Maybe try using less if you’re sensitive to it.
Shrimp is seafood, which shouldnât be mixed with pasta! But I respect your choice. đ¤ˇââď¸
Why do you have to chill it? Can’t I eat it right away? đ¤
Chilling helps the flavors blend better! But if you’re hungry, just dig in! đ
My grandma would never make this! She say shrimp doesn’t belong in salad! đ
Why do you even put shrimp in a macaroni salad? Sounds weird.
Yum! But the shrimp make it expensive to make. Can I substitute with chicken?
Mmmm, this is so good! Better than grandma’s recipe, no joke!
Ugh, this was a total disaster. The mayo was just too much for me. Never again!
I didn’t have shrimp, so I used chicken – still came out great!
I think chicken would work just fine! Glad it turned out well for you. đ˝ď¸
I was skeptical about shrimp in a macaroni salad, but it actually turned out pretty good. Just a bit too salty for my taste.
Really? Who puts shrimp in mac salad? Sounds weird to me. I think Iâll stick to tuna or just plain.
This salad was a hit at my picnic! Everyone loved it. Will make again!
Easy recipe. I used pre-cooked shrimp and it was basically done in no time. The onion/celery ratio is on point.
Dude, this is the best summer salad! Iâm making it all the time now!
Really? Shrimp in macaroni salad? Sounds weird, but maybe I’ll try it.
I totally agree! This salad is a summer staple now!
Wow. So good. Next time Iâm adding chopped pickles or a bit of celery seed.
Why would you put SHRIMP in pasta salad??? Sounds gross!
I didn’t really like it. Shrimp and macaroni? Seems odd. I prefer tuna in my salad.
Can you use crab instead of shrimp? Asking for a friend. đ
I dunno, isn’t shrimp kinda important for the recipe? đ¤
Yes, crab would be a great substitute! Just make sure it’s cooked. đ
Ugh, too mayo-y for my taste. I prefer a lighter dressing. 2/5
I get what you mean! Maybe you could try using Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter option. đ
To each their own, I guess. I thought it was pretty tasty! But yeah, mayo can be a bit much.
idk how people eat this stuff, too fancy for me, just stick to plain ol’ pasta
This is honestly restaurant-level. I used pre-cooked shrimp and it still turned out great. 10/10 will make again.
YUM! đ Easy recipe, perfect for summer. I didn’t have celery, so I used cucumbers instead. Still turned out great!
Shrimp and macaroni? Idk… Seems a lil weird to mix. But my daughter loved it so I guess it’s okay? đ¤ˇââď¸
I think I dropped my shrimp in the sink. Ugh. Anyway, salad still tastes great!
Yum! Would serve it again! Not a huge shrimp fan but this was really good!
This is a great recipe! I added some chopped dill pickle and it turned out fabulous! Everyone loved it.
Glad you liked it! Dill pickles sound like a fun twist. I might try that next time too!
This was amazing! The shrimp really gives it a nice flavor. 5 stars!
Simple recipe, just what I needed for a quick lunch. Thanks!
Is this gluten-free if i use gluten-free macaroni? Just asking! đ
Yes! If you use gluten-free macaroni, it should be gluten-free. Enjoy your salad! đ
Yum! Can’t wait to make this for our picnic! Perfect for summer đ
I donât really know how to make this but I want to try. Sounds yummy!
Delish! I added some diced pickles and it made it even better. Will definitely make it again!
This seems easy to make but shrimp just freaks me out. They are like bugs in the ocean! đ¤˘
I get it! Shrimp can be kinda creepy. Maybe try substituting with chicken or just stick to the macaroni? Totally understandable! đ
I dunno, it just doesn’t seem right to mix seafood with macaroni. Eww.
Could use more seasoning. I added extra black pepper and a pinch of garlic powder and it came together a lot more.
Totally agreeâmine tasted a bit bland until I bumped up the pepper and a little extra lemon juice. Garlic powder sounds like a great fix.
I donât know⌠I followed it exactly and thought the salt/pepper was enough. Maybe your mayo was bland? Also I used fresh garlic instead of powder once and it was strongâso be careful.
Meh, it was kind of basic. I’ve tasted better salads. 1/5
I think it’s really tasty! Maybe you just didn’t add enough seasoning? Sometimes little tweaks make a big difference. 5/5
I don’t get why people like shrimp. Just ruins the whole dish for me.
I canât believe how easy this is! My kids even ate it, wow!
Yummy but too much mayo for my taste! Next time I’ll cut it half and add some Greek yogurt.
SO GOOD! đ My family loved it, will definitely make again!
Pretty good but I added some extra spices and it turned out great! Next time Iâm trying it with crab.
Crab sounds delicious! I bet it’ll add a nice flavor! Going to try that too. đ
Lemon juice? Why would you add that? Just stick to mayo and shrimp, that’s all you need!
Is 1 cup of mayo really necessary? Seems like too much.
Not sure about the combination. Also, is 1 hour really enough to chill?
The combo of mayo and shrimp??! Hard pass. I prefer my pasta pure!
I get where you’re coming from! But shrimp and mayo can actually be a good match if done right. Not everyone’s taste though!
Yum! My kids loved it. I used crab instead of shrimp though. Still tasty! đ
Shrimp in salad, really? Sounds weird, but I guess people like different stuff.
I love shrimp! This sounds delicious! Can’t wait to try it! đ¤
Shrimp in salad is just not right. Macaroni should stay plain or maybe with chicken.
Way too much mayo if you ask me. I would reduce it next time.
I dunno, shrimp in salad? Seems weird to me. But I tried it anyway and itâs not that bad.
I thought the same thing! But it’s actually a great combo! Just need the right dressing to make it pop.
Shrimp should be in pasta, not salad! Yuck! You tried it tho, that’s cool.
This shrimp macaroni salad is amazing! So refreshing for summer lunches! đ
This is sooo good! My family loved it. Definitely making it again!
I dunno, shrimp in a salad sounds weird⌠but if your family liked it, cool!
Glad you liked it! It’s great for summer picnics!
Just okay, I expected more flavor. Needs something else, maybe garlic?
This recipe is amazing! The shrimp adds such a nice touch. My family loved it!
I’m glad you liked it! Shrimp makes everything better. đ
This salad was a hit at my BBQ! Everyone was asking for the recipe. Yum!
That’s awesome! I love when recipes get such great feedback at gatherings. I’m definitely trying this one next time!
I followed the recipe exactly but it came out real soupy. What did I do wrong?
This is the best shrimp salad I’ve ever made! Super creamy and packed with flavor!
Not my fav. I thought it would be better. Just ok.
Quick and easy. I was skeptical about the lemon juice but it gave it a nice zesty kick.
This is not a salad, it’s a mess. Too much stuff in it. Just sayin’.
My kids like it, but I’m not a fan of shrimp in pasta. đ¤ˇââď¸
I totally get that! Shrimp can be a hit or miss. Maybe try it with chicken instead? đ¤
Not sure about the mayo + lemon combo⌠mine tasted a bit too sharp at first. After an extra few hours in the fridge it mellowed though.
Totally get thatâlemon juice can hit really sharp right away. Glad it mellowed after chilling; the mayo definitely rounds it out as it sits.
I followed the recipe but forgot the onion. Still good tho.
I wish I could cook like you! I always mess up the recipes.
I might be doing something wrong, but my salad was kinda dry? I used 1 cup mayo like stated⌠maybe my macaroni drank it up.
I followed the recipe exactly but it came out kinda bland. Maybe needs more salt?
I think you’re right! A bit more salt could definitely help bring out the flavors. Maybe even some spices like garlic powder or cumin for kick!
Yasss! Finally a recipe that combines my fave foods! Shrimp and pasta rock!
5 stars! This is my new go-to dish for gatherings! Everyone asks for the recipe!
I donât really like shrimp, can I use chicken instead? Would it taste good? đ¤
I’m so glad you loved it! It’s always a hit at my gatherings too. What’s your secret to making it even better?
Came out kinda soupy for me even after chilling. I used âmediumâ mayo, maybe that was the problem? Iâll try again.
Yummy! I added some herbs from my garden and it was delish!
It’s alright, but I think it could use more seasoning. Maybe garlic powder? Just a thought.
I totally agree! A little garlic powder would give it that extra kick. Thanks for the tip!
I don’t like shrimp but my brother loved this. Probably he will make it again.
Shrimp macaroni salad? Sounds strange but I gave it a shot and wow! Tastes great!
I didn’t have lemon juice so I used vinegar instead. Still tasted fine.
Made this for a family cookout and it was gone fast. The lemon really brightens it upâtastes way better after chilling like the recipe says.
Perfect for summer picnics! Refreshing and not too heavy. Definitely a keeper!
Totally agree! Itâs so light and full of flavor. Perfect for a hot day!
I donât see how shrimp and pasta go together. Sounds kinda weird to me.
Easy and delish! Even my kids ate it. đ
I’m so glad your kids liked it! It’s such a fun recipe. đ
I dunno, shrimp in pasta salad? Sounds kinda weird. đ¤
Who eats macaroni with shrimp? Seriously?
This recipe is amazing! So fresh and tasty!
Not bad, but mine tasted bland until I salted more. Also my shrimp was drier than I hopedâmaybe I cooked it too long.
Hmm I disagree a bit. If it needs more salt every time, maybe the recipe just under-salts. Also I think shrimp gets dry mostly from bad thawing? I usually use frozen and pat it dry. Still good thoughânext time Iâll watch the cook time tighter.
Glad it wasnât just meâmine tasted flat too until I added more salt and a little extra lemon. Shrimp can totally get dry if itâs overcooked, so I try to cook it just until it turns pink and then cool it right away.
I found this recipe a bit bland. I added some spices but it still didn’t wow me.
Yum! I added some avocado and it was SUPER tasty! Thanks for the recipe!
I tried it but it was too mayo-y for me. đ¤˘
I agree, too much mayo can ruin it! Maybe try less next time? đ
Mayonnaise + lemon + shrimp sounds great in theory, but I donât know⌠it felt kind of heavy. Texture was good though.
My kids loved it! Easy and fun to make with them.
Shrimp mac salad? Sounds crazy. But hey, I tried it and it’s actually delish!!!
Just finished it. It’s GOOD. That’s all I need to say.
Really? I tried this recipe and it was kinda bland. Must be the way I made it? đ¤
Glad you liked it! I just made some too, and it was super tasty. đ
I followed it pretty much exactly. Nice and creamy, but I think Iâll add a little mustard next time for more tang. Still really good.
Simple recipe, easy steps. I like that it doesnât have weird ingredients. My kids ate it without complaining (big win).
This was super easy to make but it lacked a kick. Maybe add some hot sauce next time?
This shrimp macaroni salad was a hit at our BBQ! So creamy and tasty! Definitely making it again!
Sounds delicious! Can’t wait to try it myself! đ
This was a hit at the picnic! Everyone loved it! đ
I can’t believe people actually liked it! Shrimp and mayo together just sounds weird to me. đ¤ˇââď¸
Super easy to make! I threw in some pickles for an extra crunch. Yum!
I love the idea of adding pickles! They go well with everything đ.
So easy to make! I added some diced pickles and it was delicious!
I tried this for a potluck and people took small bites then went back for chips lol. I think my lemon was too strong.
I mean, lemon juice too strong makes sense⌠but 2 tbsp is already kinda standard? Did you use fresh lemon or bottled? Also I think chilling longer helps, like overnight. Mine turned out kinda âtoo zestyâ once.
Haha that sounds like a winâpotluck snacks are the best! If your lemon was really punchy, you might try using a little less lemon juice next time (or add a touch more mayo).
Not sure about the shrimp in a salad… it was alright, but I don’t think I will try it again.
Okay, but can we talk about how shrimp costs like a million dollars? đŠ
Iâm skeptical about chilling for only an hourâlike, the flavors need more time. I left it overnight and wow.
Totally get thatâ1 hour feels rushed. If the shrimp and lemon arenât mellowing yet, overnight really helps. đ
Waitâ2 cups macaroni cooked is like⌠what, 8 oz dry? I guessed and it turned out ok. Still, I loved it. Would make again.
Ooh thanks for the real-world conversion! 2 cups cooked pasta can definitely vary, but youâre in the right ballpark. Glad it came out greatâthis salad is perfect chilled.
I always mess up the cooked-to-dry conversions đ but the mayo + lemon balance in this one is so good. Iâd still make it again too!
This turned out way better than I expectedâcreamy, bright, and the celery actually adds crunch. I let it chill overnight and it was perfect.
Iâm giving it 3 stars because the idea is solid, but the 1 hour chilling wasnât enough for me. After 3 hours it was much better.
Ehh⌠shrimp salad is not my thing. The texture was good, but the smell of mayo + seafood felt too strong for me.