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
Scale
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.
