Old Bay Shrimp Macaroni Salad (Print Version)

Creamy Old Bay Shrimp Macaroni Salad with tender shrimp, crisp celery, red pepper, lemon, and dill for a chilled seafood pasta salad.

# Ingredients:

For the seasoned water

01 - 3 quarts (2.8 L) water
02 - 3 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning

For the salad

03 - 1 1/4 lb (565 g) raw medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
04 - 1 lb (450 g) elbow macaroni
05 - 2 celery stalks, finely diced
06 - 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
07 - 1/3 cup (45 g) finely diced red onion
08 - 4 scallions, thinly sliced
09 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill

For the dressing

10 - 3/4 cup (170 g) mayonnaise
11 - 1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream
12 - 2 tablespoons whole milk, plus more as needed
13 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
14 - 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
15 - 1 1/2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning, plus more to taste
16 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
17 - Kosher salt, to taste

# Instructions:

01 - Bring 3 quarts water to a boil in a large pot. Stir in 3 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning.
02 - Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, until pink, firm, and opaque. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a plate and let cool.
03 - Add the elbow macaroni to the same boiling water. Cook until al dente according to the package directions, then drain well. Let cool for 10 minutes.
04 - In a large bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, Old Bay, black pepper, and a small pinch of salt until smooth.
05 - Fold celery, red bell pepper, red onion, scallions, and dill into the dressing until evenly coated.
06 - Cut the cooled shrimp into bite-size pieces. Leave a few whole for garnish if you like.
07 - Add the macaroni and shrimp to the bowl and toss until creamy. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Stir before serving and adjust with lemon, salt, or a splash of milk if needed.

# Notes:

01 - Chill at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor.
02 - Store leftovers airtight in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
03 - Keep the bowl on ice for outdoor serving.