This quick and easy Macaroni Shrimp Salad is packed with creamy bold flavors from the Old Bay and Wickle juice. It's the perfect light meal for picnics or potlucks this summer!
Living in the South I've had a lot of macaroni shrimp salads but nothing beats this one made with the spicy flavors inspired by a Seafood Boil. My family has been bringing this and Spring Onion Potato Salad to every Fourth of July cookout for as long as I can remember. Everyone always raved about it and asked for the recipe!
Why We Love Old Bay Macaroni Shrimp Salad
- It's perfect for big crowds. If you're going to a potluck and don't know what to bring, you can't go wrong with this. Everyone will love it and you most likely won't have any leftovers.
- Simple and easy to prepare. After you've prepped the ingredients everything is thrown into a mixing bowl and stirred together,
- Make it in advance. Similar to my Shrimp Pesto Pasta Salad, you can make this the night before and serve it later. It stores nicely allowing the flavors to meld together, making it even tastier the next day.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Macaroni noodles - I always have these on hand to make Gouda Mac and Cheese and Instant Pot Hamburger Helper. Any small pasta will work in this recipe but I enjoy using mini shells as a replacement.
Shrimp and Old Bay - I recommend using small, uncooked shrimp to cook with Old Bay for maximum flavor. To save time, you can use cooked shrimp, but it might not be as flavorful.
Wickles - The spice in Wickles takes this over the top and gives it a tangy, slightly spiced flavor. If you want to keep it traditional, use regular sweet pickles instead.
More Toppings - This recipe calls for bell pepper, celery, red onion, and boiled egg.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Macaroni Shrimp Salad with Old Bay
Step 1. In a small bowl add shrimp and stir with old bay seasoning until the shrimp are fully coated.
Step 2. In a skillet, add the oil and heat over medium. Once the skillet is heated, add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 4-5 minutes or until pink and cooked through completely. This won’t take long since they’re small.
Step 3. To a large bowl add macaroni noodles and toss with mayonnaise, pickle juice, dijon mustard, salt and pepper, and garlic until well combined and fully coated with the sauce.
Step 4. To the same large bowl, add cooked shrimp, wickles, red bell pepper, celery, red onion, and boiled eggs. Stir until well combined. Serve immediately or refrigerate until later.
Pro Tips
If you're preparing this more than one or two days in advance keep the dressing separate and stir in when you're ready to serve. If you leave the sauce on the pasta too long it'll be absorbed and leave the pasta dry and less flavorful.
Be sure to rinse the pasta when you're done cooking it. Otherwise, the dressing will be sticky.
More Ways to Enjoy Macaroni Shrimp Salad with Old Bay
- If you love big bold flavors, try incorporating some Blackened Corn to bring the heat and a little added crunch.
- Balance the savory flavors with something sweet and refreshing like a Watermelon Beet Salad.
- Swap the old bay shrimp for Cajun Shrimp for added smokiness and spice.
Common Questions
Keep refrigerated for up to 3-5 days.
Toss the pasta with a little oil before adding the dressing to create a barrier between the two. Alternatively, add a little more mayo to the dressing or keep the dressing off all together until you're ready to serve.
At room temperature. If you try to serve this straight from the fridge the pasta may be firm and the flavors not as vibrant as they were.
More Must-Try Salads!
Creamy Macaroni Shrimp Salad with Old Bay
Ingredients
- 8 oz macaroni noodles or 2 cups cooked according to the package directions
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 lb small shrimp
- 1 tablespoon old bay seasoning
- 1/4 cup wickles (original pickles) chopped
- 1/2 red bell pepper chopped
- 2 stalks celery sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 2 hard boiled eggs chopped
Salad Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup wickle juice
- 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- In a small bowl add shrimp and stir with old bay seasoning until the shrimp are fully coated.
- In a skillet, add the oil and heat over medium. Once the skillet is heated, add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 4-5 minutes or until pink and cooked through completely. This won’t take long since they’re small.
- To a large bowl add macaroni noodles and toss with mayonnaise, pickle juice, dijon mustard, salt and pepper, and garlic until well combined and fully coated with the sauce.
- To the same large bowl, add cooked shrimp, wickles, red bell pepper, celery, red onion, and boiled eggs. Stir until well combined. Serve immediately or refrigerate until later.
Notes
- Be sure to rinse the pasta with cold water before adding the dressing.
- If you're making this in advance, wait to add the dressing upon serving.
- Try tossing the pasta with a little olive oil before adding the ingredients for the dressing to keep it from drying out.
This Shrimp Macaroni Salad with Old Bay is my favorite dish to bring to potlucks. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, and I love how easy it is to make ahead. The combination of shrimp and Old Bay is irresistible!