Shrimp Macaroni Creamy Salad (Printer-friendly)
Cold pasta salad with tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, and tangy creamy 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 It:
01 - Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water; set aside to cool completely.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well blended.
03 - Add cooled macaroni, shrimp, celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and dill or parsley to the bowl with the dressing.
04 - Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
05 - Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Stir again before serving and adjust seasoning if necessary.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It comes together in under thirty minutes but tastes like you fussed over it for hours
- The dressing gets better as it sits, making it perfect for make ahead meals
- Everyone thinks it is complicated but the technique is completely foolproof
02 -
- Overcooked pasta will turn mushy once chilled, so pull it a minute early rather than a minute late
- The salad needs that chilling time for flavors to develop—tasting right after mixing will seem bland
- Salt your pasta water generously since the pasta itself needs flavor
03 -
- Cut your vegetables slightly smaller than you think necessary—they should be in balance with the pasta size
- Pat shrimp completely dry before adding to prevent the dressing from becoming watery
- Taste the dressing before adding salt—the mustard and shrimp already bring savory elements