Shrimp Macaroni Creamy Vegetables (Printable)
Tender shrimp and macaroni tossed with crisp vegetables in a creamy tangy dressing, chilled for refreshing flavor.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta & Seafood
01 - 8 oz elbow macaroni
02 - 8 oz cooked, peeled shrimp, 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:
01 - Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold running water to stop cooking process. Transfer to a large bowl and 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 small mixing bowl until completely smooth and well combined.
03 - Add cooled macaroni, cooked shrimp, diced celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and fresh herbs to the dressing. Gently fold all ingredients together until evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
04 - Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Stir again just before serving and adjust seasonings with additional salt and pepper if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The creamy dressing with just enough tang keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
- It's one of those rare dishes that actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a day.
02 -
- Adding warm pasta to the dressing makes the mayonnaise separate and become oily; patience pays off here.
- The salad needs at least an hour in the refrigerator for the flavors to really come together.
03 -
- Cut all your vegetables slightly smaller than you think necessary; uniform bites make the eating experience more enjoyable.
- Taste the chilled salad before serving and adjust the salt since cold food mutes flavors slightly.