This Old Bay Shrimp and Macaroni Salad brings the perfect blend of creamy pasta comfort with the zesty kick of coastal spices. Old Bay seasoning shines as it coats plump, juicy shrimp, while crisp celery and red onion add crunch and freshness to every bite. Whether you’re serving this at a summer picnic or meal-prepping lunches, it’s as satisfying as it is refreshing. Tossed in a tangy mayo-sour cream dressing, this dish combines nostalgic cookout vibes with elevated flavor. It’s quick to make, yet packed with character, and just the right side of indulgent. This salad travels well and tastes even better the next day—perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or solo lunches with flair.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1/2 pound elbow macaroni
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3/4 cup mayonnaise
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2 tablespoons sour cream
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
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2 teaspoons sugar
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2 celery stalks, finely diced
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1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Lemon wedges for serving
Directions:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7–8 minutes. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
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In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil and Old Bay seasoning until evenly coated.
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Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. Remove from heat and let cool.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, and sugar until smooth.
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Add the cooled macaroni, celery, red onion, and parsley to the dressing. Toss gently to combine.
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Fold in the cooked shrimp. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Garnish with lemon wedges if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 415 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Classic American Picnic Staple with a Coastal Twist
Old Bay Shrimp and Macaroni Salad is a beloved cold dish that blends Southern charm with East Coast seafood flair. This recipe has deep roots in American summer cookout traditions, where chilled pasta salads are a must-have on the picnic table. What sets this version apart is the use of Old Bay seasoning—a signature spice blend that originated in Maryland and has become synonymous with seafood dishes up and down the Eastern Seaboard.
Originally developed in the 1940s, Old Bay’s combination of celery salt, red pepper, black pepper, paprika, and other aromatics delivers a bold, zesty profile that elevates even the simplest ingredients. In this recipe, it brings out the natural sweetness of the shrimp while complementing the creamy tang of the dressing. Served cold, it’s refreshing, flavorful, and satisfying without being heavy—a perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition.
Why Shrimp Makes This Salad Shine
Shrimp is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. High in protein and low in fat, shrimp provides essential nutrients such as selenium, iodine, and vitamin B12. It’s also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health. In this recipe, the shrimp is lightly sautéed with Old Bay seasoning to bring out its natural flavor without overpowering it. The result is a dish that feels both luxurious and light.
Shrimp also adds a beautiful texture contrast to the creamy pasta and crunchy vegetables. Whether served as a side or a main, the shrimp is the undeniable star of this salad, delivering a restaurant-quality seafood flavor in a quick and approachable way.
The Perfect Marriage of Creamy and Crunchy
One of the standout features of this recipe is its texture. The elbow macaroni provides a classic, tender base, while the diced celery and red onion offer a refreshing crunch. This balance makes each bite dynamic and satisfying. The creamy dressing—made with mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and a touch of sugar—binds everything together without being overly rich or greasy.
What makes this salad particularly enjoyable is how it evolves after being refrigerated. As it chills, the flavors meld beautifully, and the Old Bay seasoning deepens in intensity. That makes this an ideal make-ahead dish for entertaining, meal prep, or busy weeknights.
Versatile and Customizable for Any Occasion
This salad isn’t just for summer picnics—it’s great for year-round enjoyment. You can serve it as a light lunch, a hearty side dish at barbecues, or a vibrant addition to buffet spreads. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, fried chicken, or even crusty bread for a complete meal.
The recipe is also highly adaptable. You can swap elbow macaroni for other short pastas like rotini or shells, or mix in different vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, or cucumbers. Want to boost the protein? Add hard-boiled eggs or a sprinkle of crumbled bacon. Looking to lighten it up? Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. The core flavors are robust enough to hold up to plenty of experimentation.
Old Bay Seasoning: The Secret Ingredient
Old Bay is the heart and soul of this recipe. First crafted by German immigrant Gustav Brunn in Baltimore, Maryland, this seasoning blend was specifically designed to complement shellfish, especially crabs and shrimp. It’s a nostalgic staple for many families on the East Coast and has steadily gained popularity across the U.S. for its unique flavor.
In this recipe, Old Bay adds a mild heat and a savory depth that transforms an ordinary pasta salad into something unforgettable. The spice blend is distinct yet balanced, offering flavor without overwhelming the dish. If you’ve never cooked with Old Bay before, this is the perfect introduction.
Make-Ahead Friendly and Perfect for Meal Prep
One of the best aspects of this dish is how well it stores. In fact, it tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors have time to meld. That makes it a top choice for meal prep, potlucks, or picnics where you need a dish that travels well and doesn’t require reheating.
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. It’s an excellent option for busy weekdays—just scoop some into a lunchbox and go. You can even add greens or avocado for a more robust lunch bowl.
Kid-Friendly Yet Crowd-Pleasing
This dish is surprisingly kid-friendly thanks to its creamy texture and mild flavor profile. If your little ones are picky eaters, the familiar pasta and shrimp combo is a great way to introduce them to new flavors like Old Bay without overwhelming their palate.
For adults, the salad is flavorful and nostalgic. It’s the kind of dish that invites seconds and disappears quickly at parties. Serve it in a large bowl with a sprinkle of paprika or chopped parsley on top for a colorful presentation that’s as inviting as it is tasty.
Health-Conscious Without Sacrificing Flavor
Many creamy pasta salads are loaded with heavy ingredients that leave you feeling weighed down. This version keeps things balanced. Shrimp is a lean protein, and the dressing—though rich—is portioned smartly to coat the ingredients without overwhelming them. The added crunch of fresh vegetables provides fiber and hydration, making this dish feel clean and nourishing.
For those watching their intake, substitutions like low-fat mayo or plant-based alternatives can make this recipe even lighter without sacrificing flavor. It’s proof that comfort food doesn’t have to come at the expense of health.
An Elevated Take on a Familiar Favorite
We all love macaroni salad, but this version takes it to another level. It’s elevated yet easy, comforting yet fresh. The use of Old Bay seasoning brings a restaurant-quality taste, while the simplicity of the ingredients keeps it accessible to home cooks of all levels.
It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to keep in your rotation—not just for gatherings, but for quiet nights when you want something satisfying with minimal fuss. Whether served alongside grilled seafood or eaten straight from the fridge, this recipe delivers every time.
Conclusion
Old Bay Shrimp and Macaroni Salad is the ultimate fusion of tradition and flavor. It’s a dish rooted in American cookout culture, refreshed with bold seasoning and wholesome ingredients. With its creamy texture, crunchy veggies, and tender shrimp, every bite feels like summer on a fork. Easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and delicious served cold, this salad proves that a few simple ingredients—when combined with intention—can create a standout meal. Add this to your next gathering or meal plan, and watch it become a new favorite in your kitchen.