Macaroni Seafood Salad is a creamy, chilled pasta salad loaded with tender seafood, crunchy vegetables, and a rich, tangy dressing. It’s a classic side dish that feels like summer on a plate—perfect for picnics, potlucks, and seafood lovers’ gatherings. The combination of macaroni, shrimp, crab, and crisp celery coated in a smooth mayo dressing makes every bite flavorful and refreshing. This dish is simple to make, yet impressive enough to serve at any festive meal or backyard cookout.
2. Ingredients
For the Salad:
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8 ounces elbow macaroni
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1 cup cooked shrimp (peeled, deveined, and chopped)
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1 cup imitation crab meat (or lump crab, flaked)
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½ cup celery, finely diced
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½ cup red bell pepper, finely diced
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¼ cup red onion, finely diced
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
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¾ cup mayonnaise
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2 tablespoons sour cream or plain yogurt
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional but classic)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins:
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1 hard-boiled egg, chopped
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¼ cup sweet pickle relish or chopped dill pickles
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A handful of peas for color
3. Instructions
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Cook the macaroni:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, and set aside to cool completely. -
Prepare the dressing:
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning to taste. -
Combine the salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, shrimp, crab meat, celery, red bell pepper, onion, and parsley. Gently fold in the dressing until all ingredients are evenly coated. -
Add extras (optional):
For more flavor and texture, fold in chopped boiled egg, relish, or peas. -
Chill before serving:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours before serving. This helps the flavors blend and makes the salad extra refreshing. -
Serve:
Serve chilled in a large bowl or scoop into small cups for individual servings. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika, parsley, or a few shrimp on top for presentation.
4. Preparation Time
Prep: 25 minutes
Chill: 1–2 hours
Total: 1 hour 30 minutes
5. Serving
Serves 6–8 people
6. Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 15 g
Fat: 14 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 410 mg
7. Tips
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Cool the pasta completely before mixing to prevent the dressing from separating.
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Use fresh seafood when possible — small cooked shrimp or crab meat add the best flavor.
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Don’t skip the lemon juice: It brightens the dressing and balances the richness of the mayo.
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Make ahead: The salad tastes even better after sitting in the fridge overnight.
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Serve cold: Always keep it chilled until serving, especially on warm days.
8. Final Thought
Macaroni Seafood Salad combines creamy dressing, tender seafood, and crunchy vegetables into a dish that’s light yet satisfying. It’s a perfect make-ahead option for family gatherings, picnics, or seafood feasts. Each spoonful offers a blend of textures and flavors — from the soft macaroni to the sweet shrimp and tangy dressing — creating a refreshing bite that brings the taste of the coast right to your table.
