Shrimp Pasta Salad-- Waco Style

Name: Shrimp Pasta Salad-- Waco Style
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 8 serving(s)
Ingredients: 1 lb 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 (3 7/8 ounce) can sliced ripe olives, drained; 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 Bernsteins light fantastic cheese fantastico salad dressing, to taste; 1 1/2-2 tablespoons Salad Elegance seasoning mix, to taste (I prefer Johnny's Brand); black pepper, to taste; garlic powder, to taste; grape tomatoes (optional); egg, hard boiled and sliced (optional); green onion, chopped (optional)

Submitted by Mommy Diva

"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, so please bear that in mind as you make this and adjust the flavor to your liking. ;) **My mom makes this using Knott's Honey Dijon dressing in place of the Berenstein's....and it is great - a bit less of the savory seasonings as it is a different flavor, but DH will NOT eat that one - hence my version. His friends ask for this when we have parties or take trips. **Prep time is boiling of pasta and chopping, Cook time is assembling pasta. Chill time not included as it is not required.****Can make this ahead and increase the serving size for large gatherings easily as it is usually a hit anywhere we take it*** ****Can make this ahead and increase the serving size for large gatherings easily as it is usually a hit anywhere we take it***"

Download

photo by Mommy Diva

Ready In:: 35mins
Ingredients:: 15
Serves:: 8

ingredients

1 lb 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 (3 7/8 ounce) can sliced ripe olives, drained
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 Bernsteins light fantastic cheese fantastico salad dressing, to taste
1 ¹⁄₂ - 2 tablespoons Salad Elegance seasoning mix, to taste (I prefer Johnny's Brand)
black pepper, to taste
garlic powder, to taste
Garnishes
grape tomatoes (optional)
egg, hard boiled and sliced (optional)
green onion, chopped (optional)

directions

Boil noodles as directed on package (around 9-11 minutes);immediately rinse in cold water to stop further cooing.
Prep all veggies and rinse shrimp removing any remaining shells etc that were missed while pasta boils then rinse and drain pasta so that you begin with a large bowl of cool pasta.
Add in the shrimp, veggies, parmesean cheese, and salad dressing.
Stir thoroghly, and add seasonings to taste.
If 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!

Questions & Replies

Got a question? Share it with the community!

Reviews

MD made this for a potluck and bbq. Excellent flavors -- the shrimp was perfect with the freshness of the peppers, olives and celery and the macaroni brought it all together when coated with the dressing. MD introduced me to the bottled dressing which can be used as a quick and easy substitute for a dijon mustard/white wine vinegar dressing. Delicious!

Obag6142
This is a great summer salad! I had the pleasure of the chef make it during our vacation together during the 4th of July. It was a perfect accompanient to Tri-Tip and Chicken that we BBQ. This made a lot, and was enjoyed by all for a couple of days. I love the black olives, bell peppers and all the flavors mingled perfectly. The parmesan was a perfect topper....and the dressing just made it tastes great! MD even gave me her spices "Salad Supreme" as we couldn't find the Salad Elegance while shopping... just in case I couldn't find it at home. YUM! Thanks for making and sharing another great recipe. I'm bummed I didn't get a photo of this one ;) I will next time. ~V

Vseward Chef-V