Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 3 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 1 lb (450 g) cooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried dill)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

For the Dressing

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente.
2. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
3. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
4. In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, lemon juice, and seasonings.
5. Add macaroni, shrimp, celery, bell pepper, onion, dill, and parsley.
6. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
8. Stir before serving and garnish with fresh dill.

Tips

• Chill well for the best flavor.
• Add diced cucumber for extra crunch.
• For a lighter version, replace half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
• Do not freeze, as the dressing may separate.

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Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 3 g

Nutrition values are estimates and will vary depending on the exact ingredients used.

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Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes. Thaw completely, drain well, and pat dry before adding.

Q: How long does it last?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Yes. Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance for even better flavor.

Q: Can I use imitation crab instead of shrimp?
A: Yes. Substitute an equal amount of chopped imitation crab.

Q: Can I make it healthier?
A: Replace part or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt and use whole-wheat pasta if preferred.

Q: What can I serve with it?

• Grilled chicken
• Barbecue ribs
• Garlic bread
• Fresh fruit
• Green salad

Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Yes. Try peas, cucumber, carrots, or chopped green onions.

Q: Why rinse the pasta with cold water?
A: It cools the pasta quickly, prevents overcooking, and helps keep the salad from becoming sticky.

Storage

• Refrigerator: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• Freezer: Not recommended because the creamy dressing may separate after thawing.