Seafood Pasta Salad

Introduction

I made this Seafood Pasta Salad for a family gathering, and it quickly became the star of the show! The vibrant tri-color pasta, combined with the creamy dressing and delicate sweetness from the crabmeat, made it an instant hit. It was the perfect balance of flavors, with the crunch from the celery and the slight saltiness from the imitation crabmeat making each bite a refreshing treat. It was also easy to prepare, and I found that the longer it chilled, the more the flavors developed. My family enjoyed it so much, we ended up making it twice that week! This salad is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or even a quick lunch.

Why You’ll Love This Seafood Pasta Salad

This Seafood Pasta Salad is an easy, refreshing, and satisfying dish. Packed with colorful tri-color pasta, crisp celery, and the sweet taste of imitation crabmeat, it’s not only delicious but visually appealing as well. The creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, and milk ties it all together, offering a smooth and tangy flavor that complements the vegetables and seafood perfectly. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a light meal, this salad will undoubtedly please anyone who tries it. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead recipe, so you can prepare it in advance and enjoy it chilled for the ultimate convenience.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ (8 ounce) packages tri-color pasta
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 pound imitation crabmeat, chopped
• 1 cup frozen green peas
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 ½ tablespoons white sugar
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the tri-color pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water until it is cool. Set aside to drain fully.
2. Prepare the Vegetables and Crabmeat:
   While the pasta is cooking, chop the celery into small pieces. Also, chop the imitation crabmeat into bite-sized pieces. Run hot water over the frozen peas to defrost, then drain them well.
3. Make the Dressing:
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, milk, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
4. Assemble the Salad:
   Add the cooled pasta, chopped celery, crabmeat, and peas to the bowl with the dressing. Stir everything together gently, making sure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary—add more salt, sugar, or mayonnaise to suit your preference.
5. Chill the Salad:
   Refrigerate the seafood pasta salad for several hours to allow the flavors to meld together. The salad is best when chilled for at least 2 hours, but it can be left overnight as well.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, based on 8 servings):

• Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 520mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 6g
• Protein: 6g

Preparation Time

• Active Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 2-3 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve as a side dish: This seafood pasta salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, seafood, or even a BBQ. It’s the perfect side to bring to a summer gathering.
• Serve as a light main dish: It’s hearty enough to serve as a light lunch or dinner, especially when paired with a side salad or fresh bread.
• Serve chilled: The salad tastes best when served chilled, so be sure to allow it to set in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving.
• Add extra toppings: Garnish with additional chopped parsley or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Additional Tips

1. Use real crab if preferred: For a richer, more authentic flavor, substitute imitation crab with real crabmeat.
2. Customize the veggies: Add diced bell peppers, onions, or cucumber for a more refreshing crunch.
3. Make it creamy: If you want a creamier texture, add an extra ¼ cup of mayonnaise or a bit of sour cream to the dressing.
4. Add some zest: A teaspoon of lemon juice or lemon zest can brighten the flavor and give it a fresh kick.
5. Chill overnight: If possible, make the salad the night before and let it chill overnight to deepen the flavors.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer, but tri-color pasta adds a nice visual element to the dish.
2. Can I use real crab instead of imitation crab?
   Absolutely! Real crab will give the salad a more authentic taste, but imitation crab is a great budget-friendly option.
3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
   Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead. It gets even better as it chills, so feel free to prepare it a day or two in advance.
4. Can I make this salad without mayonnaise?
   Yes, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a vinaigrette for a lighter version.
5. How long will this seafood pasta salad keep in the fridge?
   The salad will keep for up to 3-4 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.
6. Can I add shrimp to this salad?
   Yes, you can add cooked shrimp to the salad for a delicious seafood twist.
7. Can I freeze seafood pasta salad?
   It’s not recommended to freeze seafood pasta salad as the mayonnaise-based dressing may separate and become watery when thawed.
8. Can I make this salad spicier?
   Yes, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.
9. How can I make this salad healthier?
   Use whole wheat pasta, low-fat mayonnaise, and reduce the amount of sugar for a healthier version.
10. Can I add other vegetables?
    Yes, you can experiment with other vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or red onions to make the salad your own.

Conclusion

This Seafood Pasta Salad is the perfect dish for any occasion, whether it’s a summer picnic, a potluck, or a simple family dinner. The creamy dressing, crunchy vegetables, and the subtle sweetness of imitation crabmeat create a harmonious combination that everyone will love. It’s easy to make, incredibly versatile, and a great dish to prepare ahead of time. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing side or a light main dish, this seafood pasta salad is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave everyone asking for the recipe!

Print