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Shrimp Pasta Salad Recipe

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3.8 from 6 reviews

This Shrimp Pasta Salad is a refreshing, creamy, and flavorful dish featuring tender elbow macaroni, crisp celery, bell pepper, and juicy small salad shrimp tossed in a tangy mayonnaise and sour cream dressing. Perfect for a light lunch, picnic, or potluck, it combines a delightful mix of textures and tastes that meld beautifully after chilling.

Ingredients

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni noodles
  • 4 stalks celery, chopped small (about 1 cup)
  • ½ red or green bell pepper, diced, seeds removed (approximately ⅔ cup)
  • ¼ small onion, diced (approximately ¾ cup)

Shrimp

  • 2 cups small salad shrimp, cooked

Dressing

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 Tablespoons sour cream
  • 2 teaspoons distilled white vinegar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons granulated sugar
  • ¾ teaspoon celery seed
  • ¼ teaspoon ground mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni noodles al-dente according to the package instructions. Then drain and rinse the pasta under cool water to stop cooking and cool it down, drain again, and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  2. Add vegetables and shrimp: Add the chopped celery, diced bell pepper, diced onion, and cooked salad shrimp to the bowl with the macaroni. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
  3. Prepare dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, distilled white vinegar, granulated sugar, celery seed, ground mustard, salt, and ground black pepper until smooth. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if desired.
  4. Toss salad: Pour the dressing over the macaroni and vegetable mixture and stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly coated with the dressing.
  5. Chill and serve: Cover the shrimp pasta salad and refrigerate for at least one hour, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to fully develop. Always stir the salad before serving to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.

Notes

  • Use cooked small salad shrimp for convenience and best texture.
  • Rinsing the pasta after cooking prevents it from sticking and cools it for salad use.
  • Adjust the salt and pepper in the dressing to suit your taste preferences.
  • Chilling the salad overnight enhances the flavor melding and makes for a tastier dish.
  • This salad can be garnished with fresh herbs like dill or parsley if desired.

Find it online: https://cozyplatter.com/shrimp-pasta-salad-recipe/