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Creamy Macaroni Crab Salad with Bacon and Lemon

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Macaroni Crabmeat Salad Recipe
Prep Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8

This creamy and tangy Macaroni Crabmeat Salad is a delightful, refreshing dish that combines tender shell pasta with lump crabmeat, crisp celery, and savory hard-boiled eggs, all brought together with just the right amount of mayonnaise. If you prefer a slightly richer, creamier texture, feel free to add a few more tablespoons of mayo to suit your taste. This recipe is perfect for lunch, a picnic, or as a snack, and its versatility makes it a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings and summer barbecues. With just the right balance of flavors and textures, it’s a refreshing addition to any meal.

Ingredients:

Ingredient Quantity
Shell macaroni 1 cup
Lump crabmeat 1 cup
Celery (finely chopped) 1/2 cup
Onion (finely chopped) 1 medium
Hard-boiled eggs (chopped) 2 large
Bacon (crumbled) 3 slices
Mayonnaise 1/2 cup
Lemon juice 1 tablespoon
Salt 1 1/2 teaspoons
Dried parsley flakes 1/2 teaspoon
Ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon
Paprika (for garnish) As desired

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Nutrient Amount
Calories 168.3 kcal
Total Fat 8.2 g
Saturated Fat 1.7 g
Cholesterol 70 mg
Sodium 398.3 mg
Carbohydrates 14.5 g
Fiber 0.8 g
Sugars 2.3 g
Protein 9 g

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Macaroni: Begin by cooking the shell macaroni according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook it just until al dente to maintain a slight bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to cool completely. You can speed up the cooling process by rinsing it under cold water.

  2. Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni with the lump crabmeat, finely chopped celery, onion, chopped hard-boiled eggs, and crumbled bacon. This mixture brings together a delightful contrast of textures, from the tender pasta and succulent crabmeat to the crunch of celery and the savory, crisp bacon.

  3. Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, parsley flakes, and pepper. Adjust the mayo according to your desired creaminess; adding a couple of extra tablespoons can give the salad a richer texture. Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. If the salad appears a bit dry, feel free to add a little more mayonnaise, adjusting to taste.

  4. Chill and Rest: Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least a couple of hours. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Taste the salad before serving and adjust the seasoning, adding extra salt, pepper, or even a dash more lemon juice if needed.

  5. Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle a light dusting of paprika over the top for a pop of color and a subtle smokiness. This is an optional step but can elevate the dish’s appearance and flavor. Serve chilled and enjoy!


This Macaroni Crabmeat Salad is an excellent dish for making ahead, perfect for a picnic, a backyard BBQ, or as a refreshing lunch option. The delicate crabmeat, combined with the creamy dressing and the crunch of fresh veggies, makes this a standout side dish or snack. Whether you choose to keep it classic or tweak it with extra mayo, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Enjoy this delightful Southern-inspired recipe from Love With Recipes!

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