Shrimp Salad
Liberian Shrimp Macaroni Salad Recipe with Dill Mayo Dressing
Introduction
Shrimp salad is a classic dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. This recipe combines the flavors of shrimp, macaroni, eggs, and a variety of vegetables to create a delicious and satisfying dish.
History
Shrimp salad has been a popular dish for many years, with variations of the recipe found in different cultures around the world. It is believed to have originated in the United States, where it became a staple in many households due to its simplicity and versatility.
Ingredients
- 1 box elbow macaroni, cooked, drained, and cooled
- 0.5 to 1 lb (454 g) cooked shrimp, peeled
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 0.5 cup chopped yellow onion
- 0.25 cup chopped celery
- 0.5 cup chopped black olives
- 0.5 cup chopped dill pickles
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 0.5 cup ketchup
- hot sauce to taste
How to prepare
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the first 7 ingredients.
- Whisk together the remaining ingredients to make a dressing. Mix it in with the other ingredients.
- Allow the mixture to marinate in the fridge for a couple of hours to allow the flavors to blend.
Variations
- Add diced avocado for a creamy texture.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter dressing.
- Mix in some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, for added flavor.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque to avoid overcooking.
- For added flavor, you can grill the shrimp before adding them to the salad.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this shrimp salad on a bed of lettuce or with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.
Cooking Techniques
Be sure to cook the macaroni until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy in the salad.
- Allow the salad to chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving to enhance the flavors.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use cooked chicken or tofu in place of shrimp for a different protein option.
- Swap out the dill pickles for sweet pickles for a different flavor profile.
Make Ahead Tips
This shrimp salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the shrimp salad with a sprinkle of paprika or chopped fresh herbs for a pop of color.
Pairing Recommendations
This shrimp salad pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
One serving of this shrimp salad recipe contains approximately 400 calories.
Carbohydrates
This shrimp salad recipe contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Fats
Each serving of this shrimp salad contains around 25 grams of fat.
Proteins
With shrimp as the main protein source, this salad provides about 20 grams of protein per serving.
Vitamins and minerals
Shrimp is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, selenium, and zinc.
Alergens
This recipe contains shellfish (shrimp) and eggs, which may be allergens for some individuals.
Summary
Overall, this shrimp salad is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Shrimp salad is a versatile and delicious dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. With a mix of shrimp, macaroni, eggs, and vegetables, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Margaret for our weekly tea and gossip session. As we chatted away, Margaret mentioned that she had recently tried a delicious shrimp salad at a dinner party and was eager to recreate it at home.
Intrigued by her description, I asked her for the recipe. Margaret smiled mischievously and told me that it was a family secret, passed down from her grandmother to her mother and now to her. However, she could sense my curiosity and decided to share the recipe with me, on the condition that I promised to keep it a secret.
I eagerly agreed, and Margaret pulled out a faded old recipe card from her recipe box. The card was yellowed with age and covered in splatters of what appeared to be various ingredients. As I read through the list of ingredients and instructions, I could tell that this recipe was a labor of love, perfected over generations.
The key to this shrimp salad, Margaret explained, was the dressing. It was a delicate balance of tangy lemon juice, creamy mayonnaise, and a hint of Dijon mustard. The shrimp itself was marinated in a mixture of garlic, herbs, and olive oil before being grilled to perfection. Combined with fresh vegetables and herbs, the salad was a refreshing and satisfying dish that was perfect for a summer day.
I thanked Margaret profusely for sharing the recipe with me and promised to try it out soon. As I drove home that day, I couldn't wait to get into the kitchen and start cooking. I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work, following Margaret's instructions to the letter.
The aroma of the grilled shrimp filled my kitchen, and I felt a sense of satisfaction as I mixed together the dressing and tossed it with the vegetables and shrimp. As I took my first bite of the finished salad, I was transported back to that warm summer day at Margaret's house. The flavors were bold and fresh, each bite a burst of tangy, creamy goodness.
I knew then that this shrimp salad would become a staple in my repertoire of recipes. Over the years, I have made this dish countless times for family gatherings, dinner parties, and even just for myself on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Each time I make it, I think of Margaret and her family secret, and I smile at the thought of how a simple recipe can bring so much joy and connection to those who share it.
As I sit here now, reflecting on that day and the many others that have followed, I am grateful for the gift of this recipe and the memories it has brought me. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and I am constantly seeking out new recipes and techniques to add to my culinary repertoire. But there is something special about the recipes that are passed down through generations, that carry with them the stories and traditions of those who came before us.
So as I continue to cook and create in my kitchen, I will always hold dear the memory of that warm summer day when I learned how to make the perfect shrimp salad, thanks to the generosity of my dear friend Margaret. And I will pass this recipe on to future generations, knowing that it will bring them joy and connection, just as it has for me.
Categories
| Black Olive Recipes | Dill Recipes | Ketchup Recipes | Liberian Recipes | Liberian Salads | Macaroni Recipes | Mayonnaise Recipes | Mustard Seed Recipes | Shrimp Recipes |