If you’re on the hunt for a dish that feels like a seaside picnic in every bite, this Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Bursting with tender shrimp, delicate imitation crab, and that perfect creamy dressing, this salad brings together freshness and comfort in a dazzling way. It’s not just any salad—it’s an irresistible mix of textures and flavors that will wow you at any gathering or just as a quick, satisfying meal. Trust me, once you try this Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the flavors right in this Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe is all about using simple, fresh ingredients that complement each other beautifully. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s the creamy dressing, the bite of crisp celery, or the savory seafood, creating a salad that’s balanced and exciting.
- 12 oz elbow macaroni or small shell pasta: These shapes hold the dressing perfectly and make every bite delightful.
- 1/2 pound cooked shrimp, chopped: Adds a fresh seafood sweetness and a meaty texture that’s hard to resist.
- 1/2 pound imitation crab meat, chopped: A budget-friendly seafood substitute that adds great flavor and color.
- 1/2 cup celery, finely diced: Brings a satisfying crunch and freshness to balance the creaminess.
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced: A little sharpness to brighten the salad’s flavors.
- 1/4 cup dill pickles or relish (optional): Adds a tangy zip that lifts the entire dish.
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base that keeps everything luscious and binds the salad.
- 2 tablespoons sour cream: Adds a bit of tang and silkiness to the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Fresh citrus brightness to brighten and balance the rich dressing.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: A subtle kick to deepen the dressing’s complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning: Classic seafood seasoning that adds warmth and a little spice.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for rounding out all the flavors perfectly.
- Chopped fresh dill or parsley for garnish (optional): A herbaceous finishing touch that adds color and freshness.
How to Make Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. This ensures it holds shape without getting mushy. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and chill it down, making your salad refreshingly cool and ready to mix.
Step 2: Prepare the Seafood and Veggies
While your pasta is cooling, chop the cooked shrimp and imitation crab meat into bite-sized pieces. Finely dice the celery and red onion for added crunch and subtle sharpness. If you love a tangy twist, have your dill pickles or relish ready to go. Combining these fresh ingredients will give your salad vibrant texture and inviting color.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper until it’s smooth and well blended. This dressing is the magic that ties all your flavors together with creaminess and a touch of zesty heat.
Step 4: Combine and Chill
Gently fold the dressing into the bowl with pasta, seafood, and veggies. Stir carefully to coat every morsel evenly without mashing the delicate ingredients. Cover your salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Chilling allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, making the salad even more delicious when served.
How to Serve Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh herbs like chopped dill or parsley right before serving not only boosts the flavor but also gives your salad a stunning, fresh green pop. If you want a little extra zing, a sprinkle of paprika or a few lemon wedges on the side are perfect finishing touches.
Side Dishes
This Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe shines best alongside light, summery sides. Crisp garden salads, garlic bread, or even a chilled cucumber soup complement it beautifully, creating a well-rounded meal that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
Step up your presentation game by serving this salad in individual mini mason jars or lettuce cups for festive gatherings. For potlucks, arrange it over a bed of mixed greens or scoop it into buttery croissants for handheld seafood sandwiches that impress instantly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Seafood Pasta Salad keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead option for quick lunches or picnics the next day.
Freezing
Because of the mayonnaise-based dressing, freezing this salad isn’t recommended as it can change the texture and cause separation. It’s best enjoyed fresh or chilled as intended.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be served cold, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer it slightly less chilled, allow it to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use fresh crab instead of imitation crab meat?
Absolutely! Fresh crab adds an extra layer of luxury and flavor to the Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe. Just be sure to carefully pick through for shells before mixing in.
What type of pasta works best?
Small shapes like elbow macaroni or small shells are perfect as they hold onto the dressing and mix harmoniously with the seafood and veggies.
Is there a way to make this salad lighter?
Yes! You can substitute all or part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce fat while keeping the creamy texture and tang.
Can I add other seafood to this salad?
Definitely. Cooked scallops, lobster, or even tuna can be wonderful additions or replacements, allowing you to customize the salad to your taste.
How far in advance can I prepare this salad?
It’s best to prepare the salad up to a day ahead. This gives enough time for the flavors to meld but keeps the texture fresh and vibrant.
Final Thoughts
This Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe is a delightful, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together the best of creamy comfort and fresh, bright flavors. Whether you’re planning a casual family dinner, a summer barbecue, or just craving something simple yet special, this recipe is easy to toss together and always satisfies. Give it a try, and you’ll soon find it becoming a staple in your recipe collection!
Print
Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A refreshing and creamy seafood pasta salad featuring elbow macaroni, cooked shrimp, and imitation crab meat combined with crunchy celery and tangy pickles, all tossed in a zesty mayonnaise-based dressing. Perfect for warm-weather meals or potluck gatherings, this cold salad is easy to prepare and packed with flavorful, satisfying ingredients.
Ingredients
Pasta and Seafood
- 12 oz elbow macaroni or small shell pasta
- 1/2 pound cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1/2 pound imitation crab meat, chopped
Vegetables and Extras
- 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup dill pickles or relish (optional)
Dressing
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Chopped fresh dill or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely, preventing further cooking and keeping the pasta firm.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, chopped shrimp, imitation crab meat, diced celery, red onion, and pickles or relish if using. Mix gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently stir everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the salad to become refreshingly cold.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish with chopped fresh dill or parsley if desired. Serve cold and enjoy as a light meal or side dish.
Notes
- You can substitute all shrimp or real crab for the imitation crab if desired.
- Add peas or diced bell pepper for extra color and texture.
- Best served cold and fresh, especially during warm weather for a refreshing dish.
