Shrimp Macaroni Creamy Salad (Printable)

Tender shrimp and al dente macaroni tossed with crisp vegetables in a creamy tangy 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 to stop cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
02 - Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until smooth and well combined.
03 - Add cooled macaroni, shrimp, celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and dill or parsley to the dressing bowl. Gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
04 - Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Stir again before serving and adjust seasoning if necessary.

# Expert Hacks:

01 -
  • The dressing strikes that perfect balance between tangy and rich, so every bite feels refreshing without being heavy
  • It actually gets better after a few hours in the fridge, making it ideal for make ahead meals
  • The crisp vegetables and tender shrimp create textures that keep each forkful interesting
02 -
  • Rinse the pasta with cold water until it is completely cool, or the residual heat will make the dressing separate and turn oily
  • The salad needs that full hour in the fridge to taste its best, so plan ahead and do not rush this step
  • Serve it cold but not freezing cold, so take it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before you plan to eat
03 -
  • Chop the vegetables slightly smaller than you think you need so everything distributes evenly throughout the pasta
  • Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels before adding them to prevent the dressing from becoming watery

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