Seafood Pasta Salad

If you’re looking for a dish that’s fresh, flavorful, and totally satisfying, this Seafood Pasta Salad has got you covered. Perfect for a sunny day, a family picnic, or a casual get-together, this pasta salad combines the best of the sea with creamy, tangy goodness. With plump shrimp, tender crab meat, and a creamy dressing, this dish will quickly become a favorite. It’s light but filling and makes a perfect side or main dish that everyone will rave about. Trust me, this one’s a keeper!

Why You’ll Love Seafood Pasta Salad

Refreshing and Flavorful

The combination of seafood and crisp veggies in this salad offers a perfect balance of flavors. It’s got that briny seafood taste, combined with a refreshing crunch from the celery and peppers, and all brought together by a tangy, creamy dressing. One bite, and you’ll be hooked.

Versatile

You can serve this salad as a side or make it the star of your meal. It’s perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or even as a quick dinner when you’re craving something light but filling.

Quick and Easy

This recipe comes together in no time. All you need to do is cook the pasta, chop the veggies, and toss it all together. It’s a total breeze, making it a great option for busy days when you want something tasty without a lot of effort.

Customizable

Feel free to tweak this recipe to suit your preferences. You can use any seafood you like—shrimp, crab, or even lobster. Add or remove veggies as you see fit; it’s all about making it your own!

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• Pasta: Use small pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or farfalle. These hold the dressing well and make for easy bites.
• Shrimp: Tender, juicy shrimp are the star of this seafood pasta salad. Cooked and chopped, they add that classic seafood flavor.
• Crab Meat: Flaked crab meat gives the salad a rich, sweet taste that pairs beautifully with the shrimp.
• Celery: Chopped celery adds crunch and freshness, balancing out the creamy dressing.
• Red Bell Pepper: This adds a pop of color and a slight sweetness to the salad.
• Red Onion: Adds a mild sharpness that complements the seafood.
• Frozen Peas: Sweet and slightly crisp peas give the salad an extra layer of flavor and texture.

For the Dressing:

• Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the dressing. It helps bind everything together and adds richness.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and a smooth texture to the dressing.
• Dijon Mustard: For a subtle hint of spice and a little extra zing.
• Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavors and gives the dressing a refreshing kick.
• Old Bay Seasoning: This iconic seafood seasoning enhances the dish with a slight spicy, herby kick.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, bringing all the flavors together.

(Note: The full ingredient list with measurements can be found in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.

Step 2: Prepare the Seafood

While the pasta is cooking, peel and devein the shrimp if necessary. Boil the shrimp in salted water until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Drain and chop them into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using frozen crab meat, make sure it’s thawed and flake it with a fork.

Step 3: Prepare the Veggies

Dice the red onion, chop the celery and bell pepper, and thaw the peas (if using frozen). You want everything to be in small, bite-sized pieces for easy eating.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning if necessary. It should be creamy with a nice balance of tangy, savory, and a little spice.

Step 5: Combine the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped shrimp, crab meat, celery, red onion, bell pepper, and peas. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, making sure everything is coated.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together. The cold pasta salad is perfect for serving on a hot day, but it’s also great as a make-ahead dish.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350-400
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 500mg
Total Carbohydrates: 26g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 14g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)

How to Serve Seafood Pasta Salad

As a Main Dish

This seafood pasta salad is hearty enough to be a main course. Serve it with a side of garlic bread and a green salad for a complete meal.

As a Side Dish

It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, like chicken, steak, or fish. Serve it at BBQs or picnics as a refreshing side.

For Parties or Potlucks

This salad is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to transport and can be made ahead of time, making it the perfect dish for parties, picnics, or potlucks.

Additional Tips

Make Ahead

This pasta salad gets better with time as the flavors meld together. Make it the day before, and let it chill in the fridge overnight for even more flavor!

Substitute Seafood

Feel free to mix up the seafood! You can use lobster, scallops, or even a combo of all your favorite shellfish. Just make sure the seafood is cooked and chopped into bite-sized pieces.

Add More Veggies

If you want to sneak in extra veggies, add some diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or even shredded carrots. The more, the merrier!

Dressing Variations

If you want a tangier dressing, add more lemon juice or a splash of vinegar. For a creamier version, you can use all mayonnaise or sour cream.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen seafood?

A1: Yes! Frozen shrimp and crab meat work just as well as fresh, just be sure to thaw them properly before using.

Q2: Can I make this salad without mayonnaise?

A2: Yes! You can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, or use avocado for a creamy, dairy-free alternative.

Q3: How long does this salad keep in the fridge?

A3: This seafood pasta salad will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best when fresh, but still tasty after a couple of days.

Q4: Can I make this salad spicier?

A4: Absolutely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick. You can adjust it to your heat preference.

Q5: Can I add other seafood to this salad?

A5: Yes! Feel free to add other seafood like scallops, lobster, or mussels. Just make sure it’s cooked and chopped to bite-size pieces.

Q6: Can I use a different pasta shape?

A6: Definitely! You can use any pasta shape you like, such as penne, farfalle, or fusilli. Just make sure it’s small enough to grab with a fork.

Q7: Can I make this salad a day ahead?

A7: Yes! In fact, it’s even better if made the day before. Just refrigerate it overnight to let all the flavors meld together.

Q8: How do I make this seafood pasta salad lighter?

A8: You can make it lighter by using a low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt in place of some of the dressing ingredients.

Q9: Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen peas?

A9: Yes, fresh peas or even snap peas would work great in this salad! Just blanch them for a few minutes to keep them crisp.

Q10: Is this recipe gluten-free?

A10: If you use gluten-free pasta, this salad can easily be made gluten-free. Be sure to check the label on your pasta to confirm it’s certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Seafood Pasta Salad is the ultimate combination of fresh seafood, creamy dressing, and crunchy veggies. It’s a dish that’s perfect for warm weather, casual gatherings, and everything in between. Not only does it taste amazing, but it’s also incredibly versatile, easy to make, and can be tailored to suit your tastes. Once you try it, it’s sure to become your go-to recipe for all your summer get-togethers and potlucks!

Print