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This is the Best Seafood Macaroni Salad recipe that you will ever make! It is perfect for picnics, potlucks, and barbecues. The combination of shrimp and crab meat makes it a real treat! This Seafood Macaroni Salad is so easy to make and can be made ahead of time. I like to make it the night before and then refrigerate it until I’m ready to serve it. This gives the flavors a chance to blend together. If you are looking for a cold seafood pasta salad, this recipe is perfect! It can be served as a main course or as a side dish. Either way, it is sure to be a hit!

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There is absolutely nothing like a bomb seafood salad during warmer months. I remember looking forward to grilled meats and chilled pasta salads as a child during summer. This recipe is an ode to those memories.

African American seafood salad is full of soul and flavor . It’s made with extra mayonnaise, and a host of other ingredients that combine to make the best pasta salad you will probably ever have.

Why you will love this cold pasta salad

  • It is refreshing and super delicious
  • flavorful and perfect for a summertime meal!
  • You can make it ahead of time.

Ingredients

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  • 16 ounces macaroni noodles cooked “Al Dente”, drained, and cooled
  • 2 cups mayonnaise: Hellmann’s is my absolute fave brand to use
  • 4 boiled eggs finely diced
  • 1/4 cup green onion chopped
  • 1/4 cup red bell pepper finely diced
  • 1/2 cup celery finely diced
  • 2 1/2 tsp Old Bay
  • 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp white sugar
  • 2 tbsp dill relish
  • 2 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • 8 ounces of crab meat: I used crab claw meat
  • 12 ounces small cooked shrimp
  • paprika: optional garnish

How to make the best Seafood Macaroni Salad soul food recipe

  1. In a large bowl combine mayonnaise, mustard, old bay, black pepper, and sugar – mix well
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2 Add green onion, red bell pepper, celery, lemon juice, macaroni noodles, relish, and eggs – mix well

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3. Add crab meat and shrimp – mix well

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4. Garnish with paprika (optional )

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5. Chill for 30 minutes-2 hours before serving

6. Serve and enjoy!

Recipe substitutes and add-ons

If you don’t like seafood, you can substitute the seafood for chicken or ham. You can also add other vegetables to the salad, such as tomatoes, onions, or peppers.

Make it spicy by adding some red pepper flakes instead of paprika.

What can I serve with seafood pasta salad?

This salad is often served as a main dish, but it can also be served as a side dish. If you are serving it as a main dish, you may want to include some bread or crackers on the side. If you are serving it as a side dish, it goes well with most seafood dishes or grilled proteins.

Storage Tips

This salad can be made ahead of time, just cover it and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. I don’t recommend freezing this salad because the mayonnaise will end up being watery when thawed.

Glam Kitchen Tips I used crab claw meat but you can also substitute for lump crab , cracked crab , or imitation crab meat if needed . Use real lemon juice and Hellmann’s mayonnaise is a must for me but feel free to use your favorite brand.

Frequently asked questions about seafood macaroni salad

Is seafood pasta salad healthy?

This salad is relatively healthy. It is high in protein and contains healthy fat, depending on the type/brand of mayonnaise you use.

Can you put tuna in a macaroni salad?

Yes, you can add tuna to seafood macaroni salad. If you are using canned tuna, make sure to drain it well before adding it to the salad. You can also use fresh tuna, but it will need to be cooked before adding it to the salad. Sear the tuna in a pan over medium-high heat for about 1 minute per side, or until it is browned and cooked through. Then, chop it into small cubes and add it to the salad.

How can I avoid macaroni from sticking together?

If you are using dried macaroni, make sure to cook it according to the package directions. Once it is cooked, drain it well and rinse it with cold water. This will help to prevent the macaroni from sticking together. You can also add a little bit of oil to the cooked macaroni, which will also help to prevent it from sticking together.

Serves 8-10

Here are more pasta recipes I am almost certain you going to love:

Garlicky Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe

Shrimp Rasta Pasta Recipe

Creamy Jerk Lobster Pasta Recipe

Best Seafood Macaroni Salad Soul Food Recipe

This is the Best Seafood Macaroni Salad recipe that you will ever make! It is perfect for picnics, potlucks, and barbecues. The combination of shrimp and crab meat makes it a real treat!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 mins
Total Time 15 mins
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 407 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 16 ounces macaroni noodles cooked "Al Dente", drained, and cooled
  • 2 cups mayonnaise Hellmann's is my absolute fave brand to use
  • 4 boiled eggs finely diced
  • 1/4 cup green onion chopped
  • 1/4 cup red bell pepper finely diced
  • 1/2 cup celery finely diced
  • 2 1/2 tsp Old Bay
  • 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp white sugar
  • 2 tbsp dill relish
  • 2 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • 8 ounces crab meat I used crab claw meat
  • 12 ounces small cooked shrimp
  • paprika optional garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl combine mayonnaise, mustard, old bay , black pepper , and sugar – mix well
  • Add green onion , red bell pepper , celery , lemon juice , macaroni noodles , relish, and eggs – mix well
  • Add crab meat and shrimp – mix well
  • Garnish with paprika (optional )
  • Chill for 30 minutes-2 hours before serving
  • Serve and enjoy !
Keyword cold pasta salad, seafood salad