This delicious Shrimp Macaroni Salad is a summertime favorite! It’s creamy, tangy, and loaded with plump, bouncy shrimp.
Serve this shrimp macaroni salad at your next barbecue! It has great flavor and texture and will certainly please a crowd.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- dry macaroni pasta
- shrimp
- green peas
- wine vinegar
- olive oil
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- dried oregano
- salt and pepper
(Note: Full recipe is at the bottom of the post)
How to Make Shrimp Macaroni Salad
- Bring a medium pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the directions on the package or until al dente. Transfer to a colander and drain well. Rinse with cold water until cool.
- Prepare the seafood and chop the bell pepper.
- In a small bowl, add the vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, optional red pepper flakes and optional mayonnaise. Whisk well until combined and emulsified.
- In a large bowl, add the cooked pasta, seafood, and vegetables. Pour the dressing over and toss well until evenly coated. Garnish with lemon juice and green onions if using. Transfer to the fridge until ready to serve.
Tips And Tricks
- Use any kind of small to medium-sized pasta. Shells, fusilli, or ditali are good options.
- Add ½ cup of mayonnaise if you prefer creamier pasta salads.
- A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle hint of heat.
- Use small to medium-sized shrimp with the tails removed.
- If using lump crab or lobster, be sure to pick out any bits of shell or cartilage.
- Use a red, yellow, or orange bell pepper for a pop of color.
- If you’re short on time, a good quality store-bought Italian dressing can be used.
- This dish can be prepared up to 1 day in advance. Toss all of the ingredients together except the dressing. When you’re ready to serve, add the dressing and stir well.
How Long Can Shrimp Macaroni Pasta Salad Stand At Room Temperature?
This pasta salad should be transferred to the fridge within 30 minutes. It’s best to store the salad in the fridge to keep it fresh.
How To Serve Shrimp Macaroni Salad
This salad is a welcome addition to picnics, barbecues, and family get-togethers. Serve it alongside grilled meats, corn on the cob, sandwiches, veggies, and other cold salads.
How To Store Shrimp Macaroni Salad
Leftovers should be placed in an airtight container and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How Do You Keep Macaroni Salad From Drying Out?
Ensure that the pasta is cooked to al dente. It will be slightly firm but soft enough to hold the dressing. Give the pasta a good stir after draining so it doesn’t stick together.
Easy Shrimp Macaroni Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound dry macaroni pasta
- 2 cups shrimp
- 1 cup green peas
Homemade Italian Dressing
- 3 tablespoons wine vinegar
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise optional
- 1 green onion finely chopped, optional
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice optional
Instructions
- Bring a medium pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the directions on the package or until al dente. Transfer to a colander and drain well. Rinse with cold water until cool.
- Prepare the seafood and chop the bell pepper.
- In a small bowl, add the vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, optional red pepper flakes and optional mayonnaise. Whisk well until combined and emulsified.
- In a large bowl, add the cooked pasta, seafood, and vegetables. Pour the dressing over and toss well until evenly coated. Garnish with lemon juice and green onions if using. Transfer to the fridge until ready to serve.
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