This Seafood Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines tender pasta with a variety of seafood and a creamy, tangy dressing. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a light dinner, it’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time for added convenience. The combination of shrimp, crab, and other seafood creates a rich flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the crisp veggies and creamy dressing.
Why You Should Make Seafood Pasta Salad
This Seafood Pasta Salad is the perfect dish for seafood lovers looking for a light yet flavorful meal. The combination of tender shrimp, imitation crab, and fresh vegetables mixed with creamy dressing creates a balanced and satisfying dish that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, picnic, or need a quick and delicious lunch, this salad is ideal for any occasion.
What makes this recipe so great is its versatility—feel free to use real crab or your favorite seafood, and the dressing can be adjusted to your taste preferences. The dish is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy days. Plus, the creamy, tangy dressing beautifully complements the light pasta and seafood, giving each bite a burst of flavor. This Seafood Pasta Salad will undoubtedly be a crowd favorite!
Ingredients:
• 8 ounces rotini pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
• 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and cooked
• 1/2 pound imitation crab meat, chopped (or real crab if preferred)
• 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and rinse the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Seafood and Veggies:
1. If you’re using shrimp, cook it by boiling or pan-searing it until pink, then chop it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Chop the imitation crab meat, or use real crab if you prefer.
3. Dice the celery, red bell pepper, and green onions, and chop the fresh parsley.
3. Make the Dressing:
1. In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt and pepper to taste.
2. Stir well until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
4. Combine the Salad:
1. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, shrimp, imitation crab, celery, bell pepper, green onions, and fresh parsley.
2. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
5. Chill and Serve:
1. Cover the seafood pasta salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
2. Serve cold and enjoy!
This Seafood Pasta Salad is a perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors, with the seafood adding a delightful richness. It’s ideal for any occasion, especially warm-weather gatherings, and is sure to be a hit with seafood lovers!