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! 🙂
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?
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.
YUM! 🙂 Easy recipe, perfect for summer. I didn’t have celery, so I used cucumbers instead. Still turned out great!
Delish! I added some diced pickles and it made it even better. Will definitely make it again!