Hey there, pasta lovers!
Looking for something fresh and delicious? I’ve got a treat for you!
Today, I’m sharing my shrimp pasta salad recipe.
It’s light, zesty, and packed with flavor!
Perfect for a summer BBQ or a quick weeknight dinner.
You’ll want to make this one again and again.
Let’s dive into it!
Suggestions for Ingredient Substitution
For the elbow macaroni pasta, whole wheat pasta or gluten-free alternatives like chickpea or lentil pasta can be used to increase fiber content and accommodate gluten-free diets. Cook according to package instructions, as cooking times may vary. Mayo can be replaced with Greek yogurt or mashed avocado for a healthier fat profile. Adjust the quantity to achieve desired creaminess, starting with 3/4 cup and adding more as needed. Shrimp can be substituted with canned tuna, diced chicken, or cubed tofu for different protein options or to accommodate seafood allergies. Use an equal amount by volume to maintain the recipe’s balance. These substitutions offer flexibility while preserving the dish’s creamy, savory character.
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Total Time | 65-75 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1800-2000
- Protein: 80-90 g
- Fat: 140-150 g
- Carbohydrates: 120-130 g
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 1/4 small onion (very finely minced, about 1/4 inch pieces)
- 1/2 bell pepper
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cooked salad shrimp (thawed if frozen)
- 4 celery ribs (finely chopped for crunch)
For the dressing:
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 2 tsp white vinegar
- 3/4 tsp celery seeds
- 1/4 tsp dried mustard
- 1 cup mayonnaise (I prefer Hellmann’s mayonnaise)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly ground for best flavor)
- 1 1/2 tsp sugar
Step 1: Cook and Prepare Macaroni
Begin by cooking the macaroni noodles al-dente according to the package instructions.
Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cool water.
Drain again thoroughly to remove any excess water and transfer the noodles to a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Add Vegetables and Shrimp
To the bowl of prepared macaroni, add your diced celery, chopped pepper, diced onion, and cooked shrimp.
Stir everything together, ensuring that the vegetables and shrimp are evenly distributed throughout the macaroni.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients: mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, celery seed, ground mustard, salt, and black pepper.
Taste test the dressing and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or pepper if needed.
Step 4: Combine Dressing with Macaroni Mixture
Pour the freshly prepared dressing over the macaroni, shrimp, and vegetable mixture.
Stir everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
Make sure every bite is flavorful by mixing the salad well.
Step 5: Refrigerate and Serve
Cover the shrimp macaroni salad and refrigerate it for at least one hour, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to fully develop.
Before serving, gently stir the salad again to ensure even distribution of the dressing throughout.
Enjoy your chilled shrimp macaroni salad!
