Okay, picture this: On a hot summer day, with friends and family, and some delicious Shrimp Macaroni Salad, the perfect dish to serve. Have you ever tasted anything? What is a game changer? What is the perfect balance of savory and sweet? What is the best song that hits the spot? If you’re a fan of macaroni salad, get ready to meet its sophisticated cousin. What are some of the best ways to add shrimp to a dish? What’s like regular macaroni salad went to finishing school and came back fabulous! I always make sure to have this shrimp macaroni salad on hand for potlucks – it’s always the first one. Is there a thing that is
What is shrimp macaroni salad?
Shrimp macaroni salad is, at its heart, a supercharged version of the classic MacDonald’s salad we all know and love. Think of it as that creamy, comforting Pasta Salad, but with the added bonus of succulent shrimp. It’s essentially cooked elbow macaroni tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing, loaded with veggies like carrots and broccoli. Celery and onions for crunch, and then the star of the show – perfectly cooked shrimp. It’s usually seasoned with a bit of mustard and sometimes sour from relish or sugar. The beauty of shrimp macaroni salad is in its simplicity, but the shrimp really kicks it up a notch. What makes it a more substantial and satisfying dish? Is it a complete meal in one bowl?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? This shrimp Macaroni Salad Recipe is a total winner for so many reasons. First and foremost, the flavor is just incredible. You’ve got the sweetness of the macaroni, the tanginess of the dressing, the crunch of the veggies, and then BAM, the deliciousness of the shrimp. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite!
But beyond the taste, it’s also ridiculously easy to make. Seriously, even on the busiest weeknights, I can whip this up in under 30 minutes. That’s a lifesaver right there! And let’s talk about cost-effectiveness. The ingredients are all pretty affordable, especially if you catch shrimp on sale.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or you can make it a main course. I’ve even packed it for picnics and beach trips, and it’s always a hit. Plus, if you’re looking for something similar but maybe a little lighter, you might like a simple Pasta Salad with vinaigrette, but trust me, the creaminess of this shrimp macaroni salad is what sets it apart. My family literally cheers when they see me making this – it’s that beloved!
How do I make shrimp macaroni salad?
Quick Overview
How do I make a shrimp macaroni salad? How do you cook macaroni and shrimp? How do I make a creamy dressing? After that, it’s just a matter of chopping some veggies and tossing everything together. What is the best way to cook a salad in the fridge? What should I do if I want to meld the flavors? What is the best time to chill out in a chilling environment? I promise, the little bit of effort is totally worth it when you taste that first bite.
Ingredients
What is the main salad?
* 1 pound elbow macaroni
* 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 1 cup mayonnaise (I prefer Duke’s, but use your favorite)
* 1/4 cup yellow mustard
* 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
* 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
* 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
* 2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
* 1 tablespoon white vinegar
* 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, but adds a nice touch)
* Salt and pepper to taste
Optional additions:
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
* A pinch of paprika for garnish
How do I follow
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until golden brown, about 1 minute. Don’t overcook it, or it will get mushy in the salad! Drain the macaroni and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
How do you cook shrimp? Place the shrimp in a steamer basket over boiling water and steam for 3-5 minutes, until they turn pink. Pink and opaque. Can you sauté onions in olive oil or poach them in boiling water? Just don’t overcook them, or they’ll be rubbery. Once cooked, let the shrimp cool slightly and then chop them into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, and salt. Set aside. What is sugar and how is it used? Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. I like mine tangy, so I sometimes add a squeeze of lemon juice.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the cooled macaroni, chopped shrimp, red onion, celery, and hard-boiled eggs to the bowl with the remaining ingredients. Gently toss everything together until well combined. If you overmix the macaroni, it will break down.
Step 5: Chill
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or preferably longer to allow for air circulation. How do I get the flavors to meld? The longer it chills, the better it tastes! I usually make this the day before I need it.
Step 6: Serve
Before serving, give the salad a good stir. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika, if desired. Serve cold and enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
What is a shrimp macaroni salad? What are some good side dishes to serve at a barbecue, picnic or potluck? What are some great light lunches and dinners?For a BBQ:Serve with grilled burgers, hot dogs or chicken. The creamy coolness of the salad is the perfect counterpoint to the smoky flavors of grill.For a Picnic:Pack it in a container with some crackers, cheese, and fruit for an enjoyable picnic.As a Main Course: As an option.Serve a generous scoop of the salad on top of some lettuce with some tomato slices and avocado for an appetizer. What is a light and refreshing meal? My family loves it with grilled corn on the cob and watermelon in the summer. What is a classic combination that never gets old?
How do I make a good shrimp macaroni salad?
Okay, I’ve made this shrimp macaroni salad countless times, so I have learned a few tricks along the way. What are some tips for making it perfect::)Don’t overcook the macaroni:What are some of the best ways to make macaroni mushy? Cook al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite to it.Cool the Macaroni Completely:How do you rinse a macaroni with cold water after cooking? How do you cool it down quickly? How do you make dressing? Make sure it’s completely cool before adding it to the dressing, or it will get watery if you mix it with some water.Don’t overcook the shrimp!Overcooked shrimp is rubbery and unpleasant. If you’re steaming, poaching, sautéing a chicken, keep vigilance on it and remove it from the oven. Heat as soon as it turns pink and opaque.How do I chop vegetables finely? Finely chopped veggies will distribute more evenly throughout the salad and provide a better texture.
Use Good Quality Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise is the base of the dressing, so it’s important to use a good quality brand that you like. I’m a Duke’s mayonnaise kind of gal, but use whatever you prefer.
Let It Chill: This is the most important tip of all! Chilling the salad for at least an hour allows the flavors to meld together and develop. It also helps the salad to thicken up and become more creamy. I usually make this the day before I need it, so it has plenty of time to chill.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This shrimp macaroni salad is best served cold, so you won’t need to reheat it. But here’s how to store it properly to keep it fresh:
Refrigerator Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. After that, the macaroni may start to get a little mushy.
Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the mayonnaise-based dressing can separate and become watery when thawed. The texture of the macaroni may also change.
Glaze Timing Advice: Since there’s no glaze, this isn’t applicable! But always store in an airtight container.
When serving, give the salad a good stir to redistribute the dressing. If it seems a little dry, you can add a tablespoon or two of mayonnaise to freshen it up. But honestly, this salad is so good, it rarely lasts long enough to need freshening!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my family’s favorite shrimp macaroni salad recipe! It’s creamy, it’s flavorful, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it at a barbecue, packing it for a picnic, or enjoying it as a light lunch, this salad is sure to be a hit. It’s truly a recipe that has stood the test of time in my family. If you love this, you might also want to try my classic potato salad or creamy coleslaw – they’re all perfect for summer gatherings. I truly hope you give this recipe a try. Happy cooking!
How to Make the Best Shrimp Macaroni Salad in 7 Steps
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Elbow Macaroni Cooked according to package directions
- 1 lb Cooked Shrimp Peeled and deveined
- 1 cup Mayonnaise Use your favorite brand
- 1 cup Celery Finely chopped
- 0.5 cup Red Onion Finely chopped
- 0.25 cup Sweet Pickle Relish Adds a touch of sweetness
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard For a little tang
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt To taste
- 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly ground
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, shrimp, celery, red onion, and sweet pickle relish.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and gently stir to combine.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your liking.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
