This Seafood Pasta Salad is the perfect combination of tender pasta, succulent shrimp, sweet crab meat, and crunchy celery, all tossed in a creamy, zesty dressing. It’s a light yet satisfying dish, great for summer barbecues, potlucks, or a quick weeknight meal!
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad:
- 8 ounces pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie)
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup crab meat (fresh, canned, or imitation)
- ½ cup celery, finely chopped
- ¼ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Creamy Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (for classic seafood flavor)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Add-Ins:
- ¼ cup chopped dill pickles or relish (for extra tang)
- ½ cup avocado, diced (for creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (for a spicy kick)
Equipment Needed
✅ Large Pot – For boiling pasta
✅ Mixing Bowls – For the dressing and salad
✅ Whisk – To blend the dressing smoothly
✅ Colander – To drain pasta properly
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
3. Assemble the Seafood Pasta Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, shrimp, crab meat, celery, bell pepper, red onion, and cherry tomatoes.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Stir in fresh parsley for added brightness.
4. Chill & Serve:
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve cold and enjoy!
Best Ways to Serve Seafood Pasta Salad
🥗 As a Main Dish: Serve with garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables.
🥑 As a Light Lunch: Pair with avocado slices and a squeeze of lemon.
🍽 For Meal Prep: Store in individual containers for easy grab-and-go meals.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Protein: 18g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fat: 12g
- Sugar: 3g
💡 Looking for a healthier version?
✅ Use whole wheat pasta or zoodles for fewer carbs.
✅ Swap Greek yogurt for mayo to reduce fat.
✅ Add extra veggies for more fiber.
FAQs & Expert Tips
1. Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better the next day. Just store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
2. Can I use other seafood?
Absolutely! Try adding lobster, scallops, or canned tuna.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Swap sour cream for dairy-free yogurt and use vegan mayo.
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