Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab

Hey, seafood lover! If you’re craving a dish that’s light, refreshing, and packed with ocean-fresh flavors, this Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab is calling your name. Imagine tender shrimp and flaky crab meat mingling with perfectly cooked pasta, crisp veggies, and a zesty, creamy dressing that ties everything together. It’s like a seaside picnic in every bite — bright, fresh, and oh-so-satisfying.

Trust me, this salad isn’t just for summer days or special occasions. It’s a total crowd-pleaser, easy to make ahead, and packed with flavors that’ll keep everyone coming back for more. Ready to dive in?

Why You’ll Love Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab

Fresh & Flavorful: The combination of succulent shrimp and sweet crab makes every bite feel like a mini-vacation.

Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this salad a few hours in advance and let the flavors marry beautifully.

Versatile Dish: Perfect as a light lunch, a side at BBQs, or a potluck showstopper.

Easy to Customize: Add your favorite veggies or swap out the seafood for whatever’s fresh and available.

Healthy & Filling: Protein-packed and full of veggies, it’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

Ingredients in Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab

Here’s what makes this salad shine:

Shrimp: Cooked, peeled, and juicy — the star protein that adds a lovely briny sweetness.

Crab Meat: Tender, flaky, and delicate, crab brings a subtle richness that complements the shrimp perfectly.

Pasta: Choose small shapes like rotini, bowties, or shells that hold dressing well.

Veggies: Crisp cucumbers, bell peppers, red onions, and fresh herbs like parsley or dill add brightness and crunch.

Creamy Dressing: A tangy mayo-based dressing with lemon juice, garlic, and a hint of Dijon mustard that brings everything together with a zing.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get this fresh seafood salad ready to impress:

Cook and Cool the Pasta

Boil your pasta until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool it quickly and stop the cooking.

Prepare the Seafood

If your shrimp isn’t cooked, sauté or boil until pink and opaque. Flake crab meat gently and set aside.

Chop the Veggies

Dice cucumbers, bell peppers, and onions into bite-sized pieces. Chop fresh herbs finely.

Mix the Dressing

Whisk together mayo, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and tangy.

Combine Everything

In a large bowl, gently toss pasta, shrimp, crab, veggies, and dressing until everything is coated and well mixed.

Chill and Serve

Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can mingle. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to cook pasta and seafood]
Total Time: [Total time needed]

How to Serve Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab

• Perfect Picnic Food: Pack it for an easy, no-fuss lunch on the go.
• Great Side Dish: Complements grilled meats or fresh greens beautifully.
• Elegant Party Dish: Serve in individual cups or pretty bowls for gatherings.
• Light Dinner: Pair with crusty bread and a crisp white wine for a relaxed evening meal.
• Add a Citrus Twist: Garnish with lemon or lime wedges for a fresh burst.

Additional Tips

• Use Fresh Seafood: If possible, choose fresh or high-quality frozen seafood for the best flavor.
• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Al dente pasta holds up better in salads without getting mushy.
• Customize Veggies: Add cherry tomatoes, celery, or avocado for extra texture and flavor.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Use a mayo substitute or a vinaigrette instead of creamy dressing.
• Storage Tips: Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. Toss gently before serving.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use canned crab meat?
A1: Yes! Just make sure to drain it well to avoid watery salad.

Q2: Can I substitute other seafood?
A2: Absolutely! Scallops, lobster, or even cooked white fish work great.

Q3: How long can I store this salad?
A3: Best eaten within 2 days for freshness and texture.

Q4: Can I prepare this salad a day ahead?
A4: Yes, it tastes even better after the flavors have melded overnight.

Q5: Can I make this gluten-free?
A5: Use gluten-free pasta to easily adapt this recipe.

Q6: How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?
A6: Drain pasta well and keep seafood chilled until mixing.

Q7: Is this salad kid-friendly?
A7: Definitely! You can adjust the dressing to be milder or add less garlic.

Q8: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A8: This salad is best served cold or at room temperature—no reheating needed.

Q9: Can I add a spicy kick?
A9: Yes! Add a pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeño to the dressing.

Q10: What’s a good wine pairing?
A10: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay pairs beautifully.

Conclusion

There you have it—a vibrant, tasty Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. It’s fresh, creamy, and perfect for any occasion where you want to impress without stress. So grab your bowl, toss together those flavors, and get ready for a seafood celebration that’ll keep everyone coming back for seconds.

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