ISO: Cooked Shrimp Ideas

I see you have several shrimp salad recipes on here but this is my favorite and a really great one.   I've tried to detail it a bit.   It's making me hungry for it - wish my store was having that special but I'm going to have to go and buy some to make this.   It's a real winner and one of the reasons is the "method" shown in the recipe - really makes a difference.  It's and old recipe and truly - tried and true.

Shrimp Pasta Salad 

2 lbs. lightly chopped cooked shrimp (or 1 package of the frozen "small or popcorn" shrimp, thawed)

1 cup elbow  (or your favorite pasta/macaroni (I generally use one of the small spiral types - the shell type will work, also) cooked in 1 T. olive/vegetable oil and 4 cups water)  and drained.  I don't know that you need to add the oil - I used to do it, though.

2 T. lemon juice

 1/2 cup (scant) catsup

1 cup salad dressing/mayo - I use Miracle Whip and if you use mayo - add 1 tsp. sugar

1  to 1 1/2 cup diced celery

1 green pepper (not too large) chopped green pepper - you can also add some red sweet pepper in this mixture for color and flavor

1 med. onion, chopped fine - I sometimes grate the onion

salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

dash or two of hot sauce - to suit your family's taste - I find it really adds some zip but I do it last - tasting and adjusting accordingly

Put about 1/2 cup of shrimp in the processor/blender to chop enough to enhance the flavor of the salad.   Add that shrimp to the sauce/dressing ingredients (set aside remainder of shrimp)  - mix dressing and  add vegetables - fold in drained pasta  - then fold in the shrimp (chopping slightly if the shrimp is large)  mix and taste - and adjust seasonings - not too much as the flavors will mellow when it is chilled.   If you feel it needs more dressing - you can add a little w/ the appropriate condiments also added.

You can add any seasonings or fresh herbs that your family especially likes but we always liked it pretty simple so the flavor of the shrimp comes out.   Make sure you chill it for several hours before serving.   If it is going to be on a buffet table and sit for awhile - set the serving bowl in a bed or larger bowl of ice to keep it cold.   I put crushed ice in a larger bowl - cover the ice w/ plastic wrap, making a "nest" for the serving bowl.   Then I set the "nest"/bowl  in the freezer for at least 30 to 40 minutes so that it is good and cold.    When you put the chilled serving dish (with the shrimp) in the "nest" - it will stay nice and cold for a good while.

This is a great luncheon dish - I used to serve it a lot at "ladies" luncheons (back when I used to have those).   Seems we go "out" to lunch more now.

What a great post and some yummy sounding recipes.  We went through so many shrimp rings at Christmas I thought we'd be tired of shrimp but guess if you love it there is more than one way to enjoy shrimp.  I am especially excited to try a Tria's pasta salad recipe.  We and our son will love it I know.  And Tria, you are right.  We tend to go out for lunch rather than host luncheons at home.   What is up with that?  I think it may be too busy or too lazy.  I think I resemble the later.  It is so much easier to just go out and no one has to fuss but I do remember (and miss) some of the home gatherings we used to have.  Of course I always enjoyed the ones at someone else's house more than my own!! 

Nindsy - I think it is because everyone is so busy and almost all wives work now.   It seems we have more things to do and sometimes you can spend more on groceries and preparation time - and like you say - it's just simpler to "go out" - arranging a nice gathering at a restaurant.   I, too, do miss those times.   I used to entertain so much but it seems now, the main entertaining that I do involves just the family and a few very close friends.  It's a lot of work and when I look back - I wonder how I did it all. 

I hope you will try - and like - the shrimp salad.  Do remember to taste it as you make it and season it the way your family likes.   The "pureeing" of  part of the shrimp does add to the flavor of the dish.

I am going to bump this up again today as there are some yummy sounding recipes on here shrimp lovers should find.  Thanks to all who posted.  Nindsy

I have not tried this yet, but it does look good!

From the bisquick site.

Shrimp-Cheese Bites