Cold + Creamy Shrimp Pasta Salad with Old Bay

This shrimp macaroni salad with Old Bay is one of my favorite summer sides. The Old Bay gives it a little kick, and the cucumber and bell pepper add just enough crunch to keep it light. It’s a great make-ahead dish for cookouts, potlucks, or just keeping in the fridge for a quick lunch. If you love seafood and Old Bay, this one’s for you.

There are three reasons I love this salad. It’s got just enough veggies. The cukes and onions add flavor and crunch. The Old Bay is delicious in just about everything, but especially perfect in this dish. And finally, this is a perfect make-ahead side.

Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need

The Old Bay seasoning is what makes this salad. If you can’t find it, a combination of celery salt, paprika, and pepper might work, too. The pre-cooked salad shrimp are in the frozen section and are very convenient. But you can also cut up bigger cooked shrimp into smaller pieces.

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If you’d like to double or triple this recipe, you can make adjustments in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Equipment

• Large pot
• Mixing Bowls
• Colander
• Plastic wrap or lid
• Mixing spoon or spatula

Ingredients

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1½ tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning
• 8 ounces elbow pasta (half a box) (slightly undercooked)
• ½ cup diced fresh cucumber
• ½ cup diced red bell pepper
• ½ cup diced red onion
• 1 cup cooked mini shrimp (look for pre-cooked salad shrimp in the freezer aisle)

How to Make Shrimp Macaroni Salad With Old Bay

Step One: Prepare The Dressing.  Whisk the mayonnaise, sugar, salt, black pepper, and Old Bay seasoning in a small mixing bowl until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step Two: Cook The Pasta.  Cook the elbow pasta in salted boiling water for 1 minute less than the package instructions recommend (about 6 minutes for most brands). Then, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside to cool completely.

Step Three: Combine. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta. Then, pour the dressing over the pasta and toss gently to coat. Next, add the diced cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and cooked shrimp. Stir everything together until evenly mixed and coated with the dressing.

Step Four: Chill And Serve.  Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours or overnight for a deeper flavor. Serve chilled, and enjoy!

What to Serve with Shrimp Macaroni Salad With Old Bay

This recipe is perfect for making ahead of time, but give it enough time to chill before serving. The salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Serve along with these other summer favorites.

• Have some corn on the cob. Don’t forget the butter!
• Coleslaw is another classic summer side. So easy to make and goes with everything!
• Try some deep-fried shrimp. The crispy, golden shrimp pairs beautifully with the creamy pasta salad.
• Serve a big pitcher of raspberry peach lemonade.

More Summer Salad Recipes

• Try the classic Grandma’s macaroni salad at your next barbecue.
• Cold pesto pasta salad is not too much work, and I love to eat it. Win-win.
• Serve this cold cucumber chicken salad on its own or with croissants. Either way, it’s a nice light meal.
• You can never have too many macaroni salads! And this creamy Hawaiian macaroni salad is a version you’ll want to try.

Printable Recipe