Seafood Pasta Salad

This Seafood Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or a light dinner. Loaded with tender shrimp, sweet crab meat, crunchy veggies, and a creamy, tangy dressing, this dish is as satisfying as it is simple to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: The seafood, fresh vegetables, and creamy dressing come together in perfect harmony.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
• Customizable: Swap out ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: A crowd-pleaser for BBQs, picnics, or even meal prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salad:

• Pasta (rotini, shells, or bowtie) – 8 oz
• Cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined – 1/2 pound
• Lump crab meat (or imitation crab sticks, chopped) – 1/2 pound
• Celery, diced – 1 cup
• Red bell pepper, diced – 1/2 cup
• Red onion, finely chopped – 1/4 cup
• Cucumber, diced – 1/2 cup
• Fresh parsley, chopped – 1/4 cup

For the Dressing:

• Mayonnaise – 1/2 cup
• Sour cream (or Greek yogurt) – 1/4 cup
• Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
• Dijon mustard – 1 teaspoon
• Old Bay seasoning – 1 teaspoon (or more to taste)
• Garlic powder – 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt and black pepper – to taste

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
3. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled pasta, shrimp, crab meat, celery, red bell pepper, red onion, cucumber, and parsley.
2. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

1. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together.
2. Serve chilled, garnished with extra parsley or a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 servings
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Other Proteins: Add cooked scallops, lobster, or canned tuna for a seafood medley.
• Vegetable Boost: Include cherry tomatoes, peas, or chopped spinach for added color and nutrients.
• Zesty Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing for a spicy twist.
• Lower-Calorie Option: Substitute light mayo and yogurt for a healthier version.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed chilled and doesn’t require reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw the shrimp thoroughly before using them in the salad.

2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! It tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld.

3. What pasta works best for this recipe?

Rotini, shells, or bowtie pasta hold the dressing well and are ideal choices.

4. Can I use canned crab meat?

Yes, canned crab meat works well, but be sure to drain it thoroughly before adding.

5. Can I skip the sour cream?

You can replace sour cream with Greek yogurt or additional mayonnaise.

6. Is Old Bay seasoning necessary?

Old Bay adds a classic seafood flavor, but you can substitute it with Cajun seasoning or another spice blend.

7. How do I keep the pasta from sticking together?

Rinse the pasta under cold water after cooking and toss it with a bit of olive oil if needed.

8. Can I make this salad dairy-free?

Yes, use a dairy-free mayo substitute and skip the sour cream.

9. What other herbs can I use?

Dill or chives make great alternatives or additions to parsley.

10. Can I freeze this salad?

It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as the texture of the dressing and vegetables will change upon thawing.

Conclusion

Seafood Pasta Salad is a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender seafood, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, tangy dressing, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Whether for a summer barbecue or a light lunch, this salad delivers flavor and freshness in every bite. Try it today and enjoy the taste of the sea!

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