Shrimp Macaroni Creamy Dressing (Printable)

Tender shrimp and macaroni with crisp vegetables in a creamy tangy dressing. Ready in 30 minutes, perfect for warm weather dining.

# What You 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

# Steps:

01 - Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Set aside to cool completely.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
03 - Add cooled macaroni, shrimp, celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and dill (or parsley) to the bowl with the dressing.
04 - Gently fold and toss until all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing. Avoid overmixing to prevent shrimp from breaking apart.
05 - Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. The salad tastes best when thoroughly chilled.
06 - Stir again before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The creamy dressing clings to every curve of pasta and crevice of shrimp
  • Makes ahead beautifully so you are not stuck in the kitchen when guests arrive
02 -
  • Rinsing the pasta under cold water stops the cooking and prevents it from becoming mushy
  • The salad tastes significantly better after chilling so do not skip this step
03 -
  • Pat the shrimp dry before adding so the dressing does not become watery
  • If the salad seems dry after chilling add a splash more lemon juice rather than more dressing

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