This macaroni seafood salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that combines the flavors of seafood, pasta, and vegetables. It is perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or as a light main course. The combination of shrimp, crab, and vegetables creates a colorful and flavorful salad that is sure to impress your guests. The dressing is creamy and tangy, bringing all the ingredients together. Make this salad ahead of time and let it chill in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve it cold and enjoy the taste of the ocean in every bite!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces macaroni
- 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound lump crab meat
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, shrimp, crab meat, red bell pepper, celery, red onion, and parsley.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the macaroni seafood mixture and gently toss until everything is well coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve cold and enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Macaroni seafood salad is a popular dish served in Hawaiian restaurants and is often enjoyed as part of a traditional Hawaiian plate lunch.
The combination of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt in the dressing helps to lighten the texture and reduce the calorie content while still maintaining a creamy and tangy flavor.
You can customize this recipe by adding additional vegetables such as diced cucumber or shredded carrots for extra crunch and color.
This macaroni seafood salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for meal prep or party planning.
The Old Bay seasoning adds a touch of spice and depth of flavor to the salad, complementing the natural sweetness of the seafood.