Old Bay Shrimp and Macaroni Salad

Published July 29, 2024

Media 1 of 1
Total Time
35 minutes
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Rating
5(344)
Comments
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If a shrimp boil dove into a bowl of macaroni salad, you might end up with something like this: a crowd-pleasing, lemony, peppery, glossy shrimp-and-pasta salad. To infuse all the elements with the flavors of a seafood boil, season the water that cooks the pasta, peas and shrimp with lots of Old Bay. The peas add sweetness to balance the pep (though corn kernels would also be great), while celery and red onion lend crunch, and herbs freshen things up. Eat warm, or refrigerate the salad for up to 6 hours. If the mixture stiffens, thin with water and toss until silky.

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Ingredients

Yield:8 to 10 servings (12 cups)
  • ⅓ cup Old Bay seasoning, plus more for garnishing

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni

  • 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled

  • 1 cup frozen peas (5 ounces, not thawed)

  • ½ cup mayonnaise

  • ½ cup buttermilk

  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped

  • ½ small red onion, finely chopped

  • 1 large lemon, plus more as needed

  • ½ cup chopped dill, parsley or a mix

Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (8 to 10 servings)

40 grams carbs; 78 milligrams cholesterol; 316 calories; 2 grams monosaturated fat; 6 grams polyunsaturated fat; 2 grams saturated fat; 10 grams fat; 3 grams fiber; 165 milligrams sodium; 17 grams protein; 3 grams sugar

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a large pot, bring 2 quarts (8 cups) of water and the Old Bay to a boil. Stir in the macaroni and cook until tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Turn off the heat, add the shrimp and peas and stir until bright in color and just cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain and leave in the colander to cool slightly for 5 minutes. (Do not rinse.)

  2. Step 2

    Transfer the macaroni, shrimp and peas to a large bowl. Add the mayonnaise, buttermilk, celery and red onion. Stir until well coated. Zest and juice the lemon into the bowl, add the herb(s) and stir to combine. Season with more lemon juice and Old Bay until bright and peppery. Top with a sprinkle of Old Bay before serving.

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Ratings

5 out of 5
344 user ratings
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Comments

Just made it. Used the recipe exactly as printed except I cut everything in half because I was only making it for small group (and I just used parsley because I was out of dill). But absolutely delicious! The only thing I would say is that I added a slight sprinkle of salt after it was all finished but not everyone might agree with me. This one is definitely a keeper!

This sounded like a recipe my mother use to make. I’m 80, so that was a long time ago. I tried it, following the recipe exactly. It’s fabulous and definitely reminds me of my mother’s dish. I will make it again. It would be great to take to a potluck!

I thought this was delicious, but the buttermilk made it just a bit soupy, even though I liked the flavor. I liked the suggestion of another reviewer to add some Greek yogurt to thicken it up and coat the pasta more evenly.

This hits the spot! Following other advice, I added a pound of diced imitation seafood to up the meat. Used heavy cream instead of buttermilk adding a splash of pickled jalapeno juice for tart. This makes A TON! Next time I may halve the pasta, unless I'm taking it to a party!

Definitely too heavy on the old bay, we were sneezing at the table! 1/8 C would be plenty however you can double the veggies and herbs.

We think this is better the next day. I’ve made it twice and it is forgiving. If you have large shrimp, I would suggest just chopping it up. Throw your fave herbs and veggies. The celery is a must.

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