Shrimp Macaroni Salad with Old Bay

This Shrimp Salad Recipe with Old Bay Seasoning is one of my favorite ways to use fresh shrimp. The flavor of this creamy shrimp salad makes a great lunch or can be a fun side dish recipe, too. Pile onto a bed of lettuce, or pair with saltine crackers for a simple dish. 

​The combination of flavors makes this great for any time of year. This is simple to whip up for picnic season on a hot summer day or a great dish for Memorial Day parties, too. The first time that you make this quick lunch, you're going to be impressed by the intense flavoring of this shrimp salad. 

I think that this makes the perfect lunch because you literally can make it in a few short minutes of time. This delicious shrimp salad uses already cooked shrimp, and the remaining ingredients only require you to measure and add. (besides cooking the pasta) Follow the simple steps on the recipe card below, and you'll be hooked on making this traditional shrimp salad. 

If you're a seafood lover, be sure to check out my Lobster Ravioli Sauce Recipe for a fun flavor! 

Ingredients

Elbow macaroni - This is the best pasta to add texture to this recipe. 

Small shrimp - Buy shrimp that is already prepped, cooked, and ready to eat. Save yourself time! 

Celery - To add crunch. 

Mayonnaise - This creates a creamy dressing. 

Sour cream - Adds flavor and creaminess. 

Old Bay seasoning - The main seasoning used for the shrimp.

How To Make Shrimp Macaroni Salad with Old Bay

Step One: Combine all the ingredients into a large mixing bowl.

Step Two: Mix well and serve. You can eat immediately or let it marinate for a bit in the fridge first. 

Variations 

Use Greek yogurt - If you don't have sour cream or want to increase the protein in this delicious salad, you can use unflavored Greek Yogurt instead. 

Use a different meat - The fun part about this easy shrimp salad is that you can actually make it without using shrimp. Adding tuna instead is a great way to make tuna salad, or you can add canned cooked chicken and make a delicious chicken salad, too. 

Add more seasonings - While I'm a fan of using the seasoning listed, I also love the flavor of fresh herbs and other flavors, too. Adding red pepper is a fun way to add a bit of heat while adding dried dill really kicks up the taste as well. A little cayenne pepper is never a bad move for fans of spicy foods, and don't forget that adding lemon zest or a drizzle of lime juice adds a fun flavor as well. Fresh parsley and fresh lemon juice also make an awesome garnish. 

Common Questions 

Should I use deveined shrimp for this recipe? 

When it comes to good seafood and easy meals, I'm all about using shrimp that is cooked, prepped, and ready to eat. I don't want to spend the time deveining my own shrimp when I can just buy it already prepped and ready. 

I think that the best way to make this dish is to use shrimp that is ready to go right from the package. You'll still want to rinse it off with cold water and let it dry out a bit on a paper towel, but trust me when I say that after years of experience cooking shrimp, pay a bit extra and have it prepped and ready. 

What else can I pair with this light supper? 

This just depends on how you're using this recipe. If you're making it a shrimp salad, then it's a main course and dish dish basically all in one. If you're serving it as a dip with crackers or a light appetizer before the main meal, be sure to have the crackers on hand for serving. 

How do I store leftovers of this creamy Old Bay Shrimp Salad? 

Summer salads like this need to be stored in the fridge in an airtight container. This is because of the creamy dressing. Keep it chilled and stored well, and eat within 1-2 days. You might need to stir a bit before eating again! 

How can I use leftover shrimp salad? 

I love using leftovers for fresh shrimp salad sandwiches! You can add a little bit more of the mayonnaise dressing to the bread and create a great light lunch at the same time. Pair with a fresh tomato and some crunchy, crisp celery stick and you'll see why healthy recipes like this are so popular. 

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