shrimp pasta salad - waco style
This is my spin on my Mom's famous shrimp salad - adapted for my DH's tastes - which means no mayo or mustard. I tend to sprinkle, pour, and shake until the consistency and flavor are to my (our) liking. Adjust the flavor to your liking. My mom makes this using Knott's Honey Dijon dressing in place of the Berenstein's and it's great - a bit less of the savory seasonings as it is a different flavor. DH's friends ask for this when we have parties or take trips. Can make this ahead and increase the serving size for large gatherings easily as it is usually a hit anywhere we take it.
Blue Ribbon Recipe
A cold shrimp pasta salad that's a delicious summer side dish. There's no mayonnaise in this pasta salad. It's dressed with a cheesy Italian dressing, an assortment of fresh chopped veggies, and shrimp. This pasta salad has a nice crunch and zestiness. Not only is this very tasty, but it's also pretty when served.
Ingredients
- INGREDIENTS
- 1 pound bay shrimp, pre-cooked and shelled
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked and cooled (smaller is best)
- 1/2 - green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 - red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can sliced ripe olives, drained (3 7/8 oz)
- 2-3 medium celery ribs, diced finely
- 1/2 medium Walla Walla onion, diced (any other sweet onion such as vidalia)
- 1/4 - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (the kraft flavored is nice in this)
- 16 ounces Bernstein's Light Fantastic Cheese Fantastico salad dressing, to taste
- 1.5-2 tablespoons Salad Elegance seasoning mix, to taste (I prefer Johnny's brand)
- - black pepper, to taste
- - garlic powder, to taste
- GARNISH
- - egg, hard-boiled and sliced (optional)
- - green onion, chopped (optional)
- - grape tomatoes (optional)
How To Make shrimp pasta salad - waco style
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Step 1Boil noodles as directed on package (around 9-11 minutes). Once cooked, immediately rinse in cold water to stop further cooking. -
Step 2Prep all veggies.
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Step 3While the pasta boils, rinse shrimp removing any remaining shells that were missed.
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Step 4Add in the shrimp, veggies, Parmesan cheese, and salad dressing.
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Step 5Stir thoroughly. Add seasonings to taste.
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Step 6If desired, garnish with a sliced hard-boiled egg, grape tomatoes, and chopped green onions. Chill for 30 minutes, minimum, for best flavor before serving. Enjoy!
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