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 that’s 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 sautéing them until they’re pink and fully cooked—this 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 you’re 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 don’t 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 ain’t 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! 🌟
That’s awesome to hear! I love when kids find new favorites! 🥳
Wait, shrimp in macaroni salad? Kinda weird, dontcha think?
Great recipe! Used crab instead of shrimp ’cause I had it on hand. Still delicious! 🙂
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!
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 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!
Is shrimp really necessary? Just tastes like mayo to me?? What’s the point if you can’t even taste the shrimp?
Yum! But the shrimp make it expensive to make. Can I substitute with chicken?
Ugh, this was a total disaster. The mayo was just too much for me. Never again!
I was skeptical about shrimp in a macaroni salad, but it actually turned out pretty good. Just a bit too salty for my taste.
I didn’t really like it. Shrimp and macaroni? Seems odd. I prefer tuna in my salad.
idk how people eat this stuff, too fancy for me, just stick to plain ol’ pasta
YUM! 🙂 Easy recipe, perfect for summer. I didn’t have celery, so I used cucumbers instead. Still turned out great!
I think I dropped my shrimp in the sink. Ugh. Anyway, salad still tastes great!
This was amazing! The shrimp really gives it a nice flavor. 5 stars!
Is this gluten-free if i use gluten-free macaroni? Just asking! 👍
Yes! If you use gluten-free macaroni, it should be gluten-free. Enjoy your salad! 😊
Yum! Can’t wait to make this for our picnic! Perfect for summer 😍
I don’t 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! 🤢
I get it! Shrimp can be kinda creepy. Maybe try substituting with chicken or just stick to the macaroni? Totally understandable! 😊
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.
SO GOOD! 😍 My family loved it, will definitely make again!
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.
Yum! My kids loved it. I used crab instead of shrimp though. Still tasty! 😊
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! 🍤
Shrimp in salad is just not right. Macaroni should stay plain or maybe with chicken.
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. 👏
This is the best shrimp salad I’ve ever made! Super creamy and packed with flavor!
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!
5 stars! This is my new go-to dish for gatherings! Everyone asks for the recipe!
I don’t really like shrimp, can I use chicken instead? Would it taste good? 🤔
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?
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!
Shrimp macaroni salad? Sounds strange but I gave it a shot and wow! Tastes great!
Perfect for summer picnics! Refreshing and not too heavy. Definitely a keeper!
Totally agree! It’s so light and full of flavor. Perfect for a hot day!
I don’t see how shrimp and pasta go together. Sounds kinda weird to me.