Shrimp-N-Macaroni Salad
A creamy, flavorful shrimp and macaroni salad featuring diced shrimp, vegetables, and a tangy dressing, perfect for gatherings or light summer meals.
Ingredients
- 1 cup macaroni ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 1/3 cup French dressing ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon seafood seasoning
- 1/4 cup pimento, diced
- 1/3 cup celery, diced ⓘ
- 1/4 cup onion, diced
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 2 cups shrimp, cooked and diced ⓘ
- 1/2 small can peas, drained ⓘ
- 1 pound crabmeat (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook macaroni; rinse in cold water and drain.
- Mix sour cream, French dressing, salt, garlic salt, seafood seasoning, and pepper in a bowl.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the dressing mixture and toss to coat.
- Fold in diced shrimp, pimento, celery, onion, drained peas, and crabmeat if using.
- Chill in the refrigerator before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. You can also swap out the shrimp for precooked crab or lobster for a luxurious twist. If you want to add a bit more crunch, try incorporating diced bell peppers or carrots. This salad is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences, making it a fantastic addition to any seafood recipes collection.
Serving Suggestions
This shrimp-n-macaroni salad is perfect for summer picnics or potlucks. Serve it chilled on a bed of lettuce for an appealing presentation, or alongside grilled meats for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Shrimp And Pea Salad, creating a delightful seafood spread. Don't forget to garnish with fresh herbs for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover shrimp-n-macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, avoid mixing in additional ingredients before storing. If the salad becomes too thick after chilling, add a splash of additional French dressing or a bit of sour cream to loosen it up before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp-N-Macaroni Salad contains roughly 375 calories, with 6g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (115% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2354mg per serving (102% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this salad?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw and cook them thoroughly before adding them to the salad. Quick thawing can be done by placing the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. This ensures that you have tender shrimp in your salad.
Is it possible to make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a few hours or even a day ahead allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before serving to refresh the ingredients.
What can I substitute for French dressing?
If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute French dressing with a creamy Italian dressing or a homemade vinaigrette. For a zesty kick, try using a spicy ranch dressing. These alternatives will still keep the salad vibrant and tasty.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).