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Seafood Pasta Salad

Dive into a bowl of refreshing Seafood Pasta Salad, a light and zesty dish perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or meal prep. This delightful salad combines tender pasta, juicy shrimp, succulent crab meat, and a medley of fresh vegetables tossed in a creamy yet tangy dressing. Bursting with vibrant flavors and textures, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Perfect for seafood lovers, this salad is a great balance of hearty and refreshing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz rotini or bowtie pasta (cooked and cooled)
  • 1 cup cooked shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 1 cup lump crab meat (or imitation crab)
  • ½ cup diced celery
  • ½ cup diced red bell pepper
  • ¼ cup red onion (finely chopped)
  • ½ cup frozen peas (thawed)
  • ⅓ cup mayonnaise
  • ⅓ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh dill or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.

2️⃣ Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

3️⃣ Combine the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shrimp, crab meat, celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and peas. Pour the dressing over the mixture.

4️⃣ Toss and chill: Gently toss until all ingredients are well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.

5️⃣ Serve and garnish: Before serving, give the salad a final toss and garnish with fresh dill or parsley. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use a combination of shrimp, crab, or even lobster for variety.
  • Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a healthier dressing option.
  • Make it ahead of time for better flavor—the salad tastes even better after a day in the fridge.

Keywords: seafood pasta salad, cold seafood recipes, shrimp and crab salad, creamy pasta salad, summer pasta dishes