This Easy Seafood Pasta Salad is a light, refreshing dish packed with tender pasta, juicy seafood, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, flavorful dressing. It’s perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or as a make-ahead lunch. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this dish is a seafood lover’s dream!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
- Perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a meal-prep option.
- A versatile dish that you can customize with your favorite seafood and vegetables.
- Combines creamy and tangy flavors with a delightful crunch.
- Can be served as a side dish or a light main course.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie)
- Cooked seafood (shrimp, imitation crab, or a mix of both)
- Celery (diced)
- Red onion (finely chopped)
- Bell peppers (diced, any color)
- Frozen peas (thawed)
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- Lemon juice
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic powder
- Old Bay seasoning (or your preferred seafood seasoning)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside to cool completely. - Prepare the Seafood
If using shrimp, peel and devein if needed. For imitation crab, shred or chop into bite-sized pieces. - Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste. - Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, seafood, celery, red onion, bell peppers, and peas. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss to coat everything evenly. - Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6–8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute the pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Cheese Addition: Add small cubes of feta or Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Vegetable Variations: Include chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or shredded carrots for added crunch.
- Seafood Options: Use cooked scallops, lobster, or canned tuna as substitutes or additions.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: This dish is best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat. Just give it a quick stir before serving.
- Freezing: This salad isn’t ideal for freezing due to the mayonnaise-based dressing.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or shells works well in this recipe.
2. What type of seafood works best?
Shrimp and imitation crab are great choices, but you can also use lobster, scallops, or even canned salmon.
3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad tastes even better after chilling for a few hours, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
4. How can I make this dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free mayo and skip the sour cream, or replace it with a dairy-free yogurt.
5. Can I use fresh crab instead of imitation crab?
Absolutely! Fresh crab meat will add a more authentic flavor to the dish.
6. What can I substitute for Old Bay seasoning?
You can use a mix of paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne as a substitute.
7. How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?
Rinse the pasta under cold water after cooking and toss with a drizzle of olive oil.
8. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?
Yes, Greek yogurt can be used for a lighter version, though the flavor will be tangier.
9. Is this salad gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free pasta.
10. Can I add hard-boiled eggs?
Yes, chopped hard-boiled eggs are a great addition to this salad.
Conclusion
This Easy Seafood Pasta Salad is the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors. With tender seafood, crisp vegetables, and a zesty dressing, it’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, prepping for a week of lunches, or looking for a refreshing dinner idea, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of summer anytime!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Seafood Pasta Salad is the ultimate summer dish! Loaded with tender pasta, succulent shrimp, imitation crab, fresh veggies, and a creamy, tangy dressing, it’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a light lunch.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni (or pasta of your choice)
- 1 cup cooked shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup imitation crab meat, chopped (or real crab if preferred)
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shrimp, crab meat, celery, bell pepper, red onion, and parsley.
- Add the Dressing:
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve:
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Notes
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream or mayo for a lighter version.
- Add other seafood like scallops or lobster for a deluxe salad.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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