Monday, June 11, 2012

Shrimpy Noodle Ring Salad



We love all kinds of macaroni salads and this one is no exception. There are probably just as many recipes for macaroni salads out there, as there are people who make them. I make a few different versions, myself.

This version was a favorite in our household when my brother and I were growing up and hubby's mom made it, too. His family had a very specific name for it, though. They called it "treasure shrimp salad". It wasn't until after we were married that I found out just why that was. I guess at some point, one of hubby's six siblings remarked that for something called "shrimp salad", the shrimp seemed to be a little scarce. As an answer to that little observation, someone replied; (I'm thinking it was my mother-in-law) "Oh, they're in there, but they're like little "treasures" that you find as you eat it."  And it stuck. From that day forward, in hubby's family and now in ours, it would forever be known as Treasure Shrimp Salad.


The recipe is simple, quick to make and it's delicious. Several years ago, I learned a little trick from my favorite sister-in-law, that makes it a little more shrimp and a little less treasure. After draining and rinsing the shrimp, we go through it with our fingers and carefully break up all of the little buggers. This actually serves two purposes. It distributes the shrimp throughout the salad better and it also allows you to feel for and take out any little bits of the shells or black specs that sometimes get left behind during the canning process. Ehm... we won't go into what that's all about. Uhn-Uh. No need to go there.

Shrimpy Noodle Salad
  • 1 Lb Macaroni Rings, cooked, drained and cooled
  • 2 Cans Medium Shrimp, rinsed drained and broken up
  • 2 Med Stalks of Celery, finely chopped
  • 1/2 Small Red Onion. finely chopped
  • 1 to 2 Scallions, thinly sliced and chopped
  • Mayonnaise
  • 1 Tbls Parsley, chopped
  • Celery Salt
  • Onion Powder
  • Salt
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper


Drain and rinse the shrimp.


Cook the noodle rings according to the package directions. Drain, rinse and set aside to cool. My sister-in-law has had a very hard time finding the pasta rings in most of the states they've lived in during my brother-in-law's 25 years in the military. She stocks up on them when they come home, or I bring them to her when we visit them. So if you can't find them in your area, you can use ditalini or another pasta, instead. I would just recommend that it be a fine or more delicate pasta so that the subtle flavor of the shrimp doesn't get lost in the salad.


Check the shrimp for any shell or black specs and break it up into finer bits. You could use a fork if you prefer but still check it carefully for any shell pieces. You can substitute canned tuna if you have anyone in the family who doesn't care for shrimp.


I chop the celery, onions, scallions and parsley very finely and add them along with the seasoning before I add the pasta and the mayonnaise. I find that it distributes them better and you don't end up with clumps of anything in the finished salad.


Add the pasta rings in and stir well to combine.


Now, for the mayo... You may have noticed that I didn't specify an amount of mayonnaise in the ingredient list. That's because I've learned through the years that everyone has a different idea about how much is enough and how much is too much. I used about 1/2 of a (quart) jar in this salad because the pasta will absorb quite a bit as it's resting/chilling in the fridge and I really don't care for a "dry" salad. When it came out of the fridge a few hours later, I added another 1/4 cup (give or take) because it had dried out a bit. You can always start out with less and add more just before serving if you're unsure.


Place the salad in a more decorative bowl if you like and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid. Allow it to chill in the fridge for at least one hour before serving.


You can cut this recipe in half if there's just a couple of you, or double it for a big family barbecue. I made the entire recipe because we'll have some of it with our lunches or with another supper, over the next few days. (I've also been known to have a wee bowl as a midnight snack from time to time. wink, wink)


Enjoy!

Mary



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Don't forget that you can print this (or any) recipe using the "Print Friendly" button at the foot of each post. It's a great little feature that allows you to remove any pictures (or any text that isn't relevant to the recipe) before printing. That can save on ink and paper & in today's economy, who doesn't want to save a little cash when you can?!


14 comments:

  1. This looks delicious and I'm so grateful for the printing option. What a great idea. I have copied and pasted so many recipes onto word documents in order to print them out, but this makes it so much easier!!

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  2. Yum! This sounds like a real treat. I love shrimp any way I can get it! Definitely pinning this!

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  3. Well, you are making me want to go to a barbeque!

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  4. I can't eat shellfish, but I imagine you could sub something else for the shrimp. I'll have to think on it...

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  5. Beautiful presentation.
    and my fave. little noodles <3 Mmmmm

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  6. I would have to make this with something else. I am not a shrimp person. Maybe crab :) Thanks for being there every week at Toot Your Horn Tuesday :)

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  7. This looks like a great addition to the barbecue menu rotation. Thanks so much for stopping by Creative Thursday last week. I couldn’t do these parties without you. Can’t wait to see what you link up this week. Have a wonderful week.
    Michelle

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  8. Okay, new GFC follower, linky follower, and liked you on FB, whew, I'm ready for a break now.

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  9. Hi Mary~I L-O-V-E shrimp! I'll be cooking up this one for sure. I wanted to let you know that I started a new blog called "Define Inspiration ~ Mind~ Body ~Soul" I think you'll like it!! It houses all my other interests. ;-D I'd love for you to stop over and follow if you'd like. I just started a Twitter and Facebook page for it too. Although, I think I'll concentrate on the blog first. I still need to write more posts to link to all the many interests I've highlighted there. Anyway ... good to see you are blogging up a storm!

    http://defineinspiration.blogspot.com/

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  10. Shrimp Salad + Pasta Salad = this PERFECT salad!!!

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  11. Oh that looks DELISH- I'll have to email you my crabby salad recipe and you can give it a go:)
    I need an assistant- want a job:) ?
    NO time anymore...can you believe I am excited about cooking sausage and peppers dor dinner tonite, lol?

    I miss my "FFF"- Fabulous Foodie Friend.

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  12. Hi Mary! How you been doing? I think this looks great! I never had a salad like this, and this one really looks like a good dish! Thanks for this recipe. Hope you are good. Have a great week!
    Blessings,
    Susie

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  13. The subject of this week's Food on Friday is Salad. It would be great if you linked this in. This is the link . I found this through It's A Keeper.

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  14. Forgot to thank you for this one as well!

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