Shrimp Macaroni Salad is a delightful dish that combines tender macaroni with succulent shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dressing, making it a perfect accompaniment for summer gatherings. This salad not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides a refreshing twist to traditional pasta salads. The combination of flavors is irresistible, and it’s a dish that is sure to impress your guests at any potluck or picnic.
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Macaroni Salad
This Shrimp Macaroni Salad is more than just a dish; it’s a culinary experience that brings joy to every meal. Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore it:
- It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- The creamy dressing adds a rich flavor that complements the shrimp beautifully.
- This dish is versatile; you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables.
- Perfect for potlucks, this salad is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
- It’s a healthy option packed with protein from shrimp and fiber from veggies.
- With the ability to serve cold, it’s an ideal dish for summer picnics and barbecues.
This Easy Shrimp Pasta Salad Recipe is truly a summer staple that you will come back to time and again!
Ingredients for Shrimp Macaroni Salad
Gather these items:
- 1 cup Fiber Gourmet Light Elbows (or other macaroni of your choice)
- 2 cups thawed frozen precooked shrimp, cut in 1/2″ pieces (save the juice when you drain the thawed shrimp)
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- to taste salt and pepper
- 2/3 cup mayo
- 1 tablespoon reduced shrimp juice (liquid saved when draining shrimp which has been boiled to concentrate the flavor)
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon whole celery seed
How to Make Shrimp Macaroni Salad Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Thaw shrimp overnight in refrigerator, keeping it in the bag to catch the juice when you open it. (In a pinch, thaw inside the bag in a bowl of barely warm water.)
- Step 2: Drain shrimp well, reserving the liquid that accumulates in the bag. (Dry shrimp with a paper towel if they’re quite wet.)
- Step 3: Put liquid drained from shrimp in a small saucepan and simmer until reduced by at least half. (This will concentrate the shrimp flavor and evaporate the water. Watch carefully, this doesn’t take long!)
- Step 4: Cook macaroni in a large pot of salted, boiling water according to package directions, or until soft but still slightly chewy. Be careful not to overcook.
- Step 5: Drain macaroni and cool, but don’t rinse.
- Step 6: While macaroni cooks, dice shrimp (discarding the tails), celery, and green onions and put in a bowl with a snap-on lid.
- Step 7: Mix dressing ingredients together.
- Step 8: When macaroni is cool, mix it into the shrimp mixture in the bowl, then gently fold in dressing. (You may not need all the dressing if you prefer your salads to be more dry.)
- Step 9: Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Step 10: Shrimp and Macaroni Salad is best if chilled a few hours before serving. Will keep in the refrigerator for a few days.
Pro Tips for the Best Shrimp Macaroni Salad
Keep these in mind:
- Ensure your shrimp is fresh or properly thawed to maintain its flavor and texture.
- For an extra crunch, consider adding bell peppers or cucumbers to your salad.
- Mixing the salad a few hours in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- This dish can be made using gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.
Best Ways to Serve Shrimp Macaroni Salad
Here are some serving suggestions for this delightful dish:
- Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish at summer barbecues.
- Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
- This makes a great addition to your Shrimp Pasta Salad lineup at any potluck!
How to Store and Reheat Shrimp Macaroni Salad
To store, place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This salad is best enjoyed cold and can last for a few days. For meal prep, make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a quick grab-and-go option on busy days.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shrimp Macaroni Salad
What is Shrimp Macaroni Salad?
Shrimp Macaroni Salad is a creamy pasta salad featuring shrimp, macaroni, and fresh vegetables, often served chilled. It’s a delightful dish perfect for summer gatherings.
Can I make Shrimp Macaroni Salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. It actually tastes better after the flavors meld together for a few hours.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Shrimp Macaroni Salad?
To avoid common mistakes, ensure not to overcook the macaroni, as it should remain slightly chewy. Also, season your salad just before serving for the best flavor.
Variations of Shrimp Macaroni Salad You Can Try
There are plenty of exciting variations you can experiment with:
- Add diced bell peppers for a pop of color and crunch.
- Incorporate avocado for a creamy texture.
- Mix in a variety of seafood for a delicious Seafood Macaroni Salad.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free macaroni for healthier options.
This Classic Shrimp Macaroni Salad recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home, perfect for any occasion!
Shrimp Macaroni Salad: 7 Reasons to Love This Summer Dish
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This delicious Shrimp and Macaroni Salad combines tender macaroni with shrimp, diced celery, and a creamy dressing, perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Fiber Gourmet Light Elbows (or other macaroni of your choice)
- 2 cups thawed frozen precooked shrimp, cut in 1/2″ pieces (save the juice when you drain the thawed shrimp)
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- to taste salt and pepper
- 2/3 cup mayo
- 1 T reduced shrimp juice (liquid saved when draining shrimp which has been boiled to concentrate the flavor)
- 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp. whole celery seed
Instructions
- Thaw shrimp overnight in refrigerator, keeping it in the bag so you can catch the juice when you open it. (In a pinch, you can also thaw it inside the bag in a bowl of barely warm water.)
- Drain shrimp well, reserving the liquid that accumulates in the bag. (I dry shrimp with a paper towel if they’re quite wet.)
- Put liquid drained from shrimp in small saucepan and simmer until reduced by at least half. (This will concentrate the shrimp flavor and evaporate the water. Watch carefully, this doesn’t take long!)
- Cook macaroni in a large pot of salted, boiling water according to package directions, or until soft but still slightly chewy. Be careful not to overcook.
- Drain macaroni and cool, but don’t rinse.
- While macaroni cooks, dice shrimp (discarding the tails), celery, and green onions and put in a bowl with a snap-on lid.
- Mix dressing ingredients together.
- When macaroni is cool, mix it into shrimp mixture in bowl, then gently fold in dressing. (You may not need all the dressing if you prefer your salads to be more dry.)
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Shrimp and Macaroni Salad is best if chilled a few hours before serving. Will keep in the refrigerator for a few days.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 150mg