If you’re on the hunt for a dish that captures the bright, fresh flavors of the sea while being hearty enough to satisfy, the Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab Recipe is an absolute winner. This vibrant salad perfectly balances tender shrimp and crab meat with crisp veggies and a tangy, creamy dressing that makes every bite a celebration. Whether you’re planning a summer picnic, a potluck, or a refreshing weeknight dinner, this recipe brings the ease of pasta salad together with the elegance of seafood—guaranteed to impress your friends and family with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting just the right mix of fresh seafood, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty dressing is what makes this salad shine. Each ingredient plays its part in creating a dish that’s both colorful and bursting with texture.
- Rotini or elbow pasta, 8 oz: These shapes hold the dressing beautifully and provide that perfect chewy bite.
- Cooked shrimp, ½ lb: Peeled and deveined, shrimp add sweetness and a satisfying seafood punch.
- Imitation crab meat or lump crab meat, ½ lb: Choose lump crab if you want a more luxurious texture, while imitation crab keeps it budget-friendly.
- Celery, 1 cup finely chopped: Adds a refreshing crunch and balances the creaminess of the dressing.
- Red bell pepper, ½ cup diced: Brings a subtle sweetness and bright color.
- Red onion, ¼ cup finely diced: Just enough sharpness to keep things interesting without overpowering.
- Mayonnaise, ¾ cup: The creamy base that holds the entire salad together.
- Sour cream, 2 tbsp: Adds a slight tang that elevates the dressing’s flavor.
- Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp: A hint of spice and depth to round out the dressing.
- Lemon juice, 1 tbsp: Freshens the whole salad with a citrusy zing.
- Old Bay seasoning, 1 tsp: Classic seasoning that brings a subtle heat and complexity ideal for seafood.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: To enhance all the flavors perfectly.
- Fresh dill or parsley, 2 tbsp chopped: Finally, a lovely herbaceous note as garnish.
How to Make Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling your chosen pasta according to package directions until it’s al dente — you want it tender but still with a slight bite. Once cooked, drain it thoroughly and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta, ensuring it stays firm and ready to absorb the dressing.
Step 2: Prepare the Seafood and Veggies
While the pasta is cooling, ensure your shrimp are peeled and deveined, and chop your crab meat into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the celery for crunch, dice the red bell pepper for color and sweetness, and finely dice the red onion to add a touch of sharpness that complements the seafood.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. This creamy, tangy dressing is the heart of the salad, marrying all ingredients in every single bite with balanced flavor.
Step 4: Combine and Chill
In a large bowl, toss together the cooked pasta, shrimp, crab meat, celery, bell pepper, and onion. Pour the dressing over everything and gently toss until every piece is coated. Cover and chill the salad for at least an hour in the refrigerator — this resting time lets all the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and sprinkle with fresh dill or parsley. This final touch adds a fresh herbal burst, making your Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab Recipe not only delicious but also wonderfully inviting on the table.
How to Serve Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh dill or parsley is a game changer — it offers a lovely herbal aroma and vibrant green color that brightens up every bowl. For an extra pop, sprinkle some freshly cracked black pepper or even a few lemon zest strips right on top.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs incredibly well with light, summery sides. Serve it alongside crusty garlic bread, a vibrant mixed greens salad, or even grilled vegetables. If you want to keep things nautical, a crisp cucumber salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the seafood beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy? Serve the seafood pasta salad in individual mason jars or hollowed-out tomato bowls for a charming presentation at parties. Alternatively, spoon the salad onto a bed of butter lettuce leaves for a lovely handheld option at picnics or casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors continue to develop overnight, making it a tasty next-day meal. Just be mindful that the pasta may absorb some dressing, so you can stir in a splash of lemon juice or a little extra mayo before serving again.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh or chilled rather than frozen. Both the mayonnaise-based dressing and seafood can change texture unfavorably after freezing, so to keep the salad at its best, it’s recommended to avoid freezing leftovers.
Reheating
Since this salad is intended to be served cold, reheating is not necessary. If you’d like to serve it slightly less chilled, just let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, then stir gently and garnish as usual before serving.
FAQs
Can I use fresh crab meat instead of imitation crab?
Absolutely! Fresh lump crab meat will bring a more luxurious texture and taste to the salad. Just make sure it’s fully cooked and cooled before mixing it in.
Is there a lighter version of this Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab Recipe?
Definitely! You can substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing that still holds everything together beautifully.
What type of pasta works best for this salad?
Rotini or elbow pasta are ideal because their shapes catch the dressing and mix-ins perfectly, but you can also use shells, bow ties, or any small pasta you like.
Can I prepare this salad in advance for a party?
Yes! In fact, preparing the salad a few hours ahead allows the flavors to meld nicely. Just keep it chilled and garnish right before serving for the freshest look and taste.
How long does this salad keep in the fridge?
You can safely store it for up to 2 days. Beyond that, the seafood texture and overall flavor might start to decline, so enjoy it within that timeframe for best results.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that’s simple to prepare yet packed with layers of bright, satisfying flavors, you’ve got to try this Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab Recipe. It’s fresh, creamy, and utterly delicious in every bite, making it a true favorite for sharing with friends and family. Trust me, once you make it, this salad will become a go-to for summertime gatherings and anytime you want a little seaside magic in your meal.
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Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
A refreshing and flavorful Seafood Pasta Salad featuring tender shrimp and crab meat tossed with rotini pasta and a creamy, tangy dressing. Perfect for summer picnics or light meals, this chilled salad combines crunchy celery, sweet red bell pepper, and zesty Old Bay seasoning, garnished with fresh dill or parsley.
Ingredients
Pasta and Seafood
- 8 oz rotini or elbow pasta
- ½ lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ lb imitation crab meat or lump crab meat, chopped
Vegetables
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
Dressing
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill or parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- Mix Seafood and Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, shrimp, crab meat, celery, red bell pepper, and red onion.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Chill Salad: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill properly.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, stir the salad gently and garnish with chopped fresh dill or parsley. Serve cold for best flavor.
Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen seafood—just ensure it’s fully cooked and cooled before mixing.
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
