Creamy Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe

Creamy Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe

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Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe

This Seafood Pasta Salad is a creamy, refreshing, and easy-to-make dish that combines tender seafood with perfectly cooked pasta and fresh vegetables. Serve it as a side dish or a light main course.

Ingredients

(Serves 6-8)

For the Salad:

  • 12 ounces pasta (elbow macaroni, rotini, or shells work well)
  • 1 pound cooked seafood (shrimp, crab meat, or imitation crab)
  • 1 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small red onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • ½ cup green bell pepper, diced
  • ½ cup black olives, sliced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or dill for extra flavor)

For the Dressing:

  • 1 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or your favorite seafood seasoning)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Seafood Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
  2. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps cool the pasta for the salad. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Seafood

  1. If using raw shrimp, boil or sauté them until they turn pink and are fully cooked (2-3 minutes).
  2. For crab meat or imitation crab, ensure it’s shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Let the seafood cool completely before adding to the salad.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
  2. Chill the dressing in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 4: Combine the Salad

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, seafood, celery, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, bell pepper, and olives (if using).
  2. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
  3. Sprinkle fresh parsley or dill on top for garnish.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

  1. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors blend.
  2. Serve chilled and enjoy as a standalone dish or alongside grilled meats or sandwiches.
Creamy Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe

Creamy Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe

This Seafood Pasta Salad is a creamy, refreshing, and easy-to-make dish that combines tender seafood with perfectly cooked pasta and fresh vegetables. Serve it as a side dish or a light main course.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • For the Salad:
  • 12 ounces pasta elbow macaroni, rotini, or shells work well
  • 1 pound cooked seafood shrimp, crab meat, or imitation crab
  • 1 cup celery finely chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 small red onion finely diced
  • 1 cup cucumber diced
  • ½ cup green bell pepper diced
  • ½ cup black olives sliced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (or dill for extra flavor)
  • For the Dressing:
  • 1 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a lighter option
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning or your favorite seafood seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

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 instructions until al dente.
  • Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps cool the pasta for the salad. Set aside.
  • Step 2: Prepare the Seafood
  • If using raw shrimp, boil or sauté them until they turn pink and are fully cooked (2-3 minutes).
  • For crab meat or imitation crab, ensure it’s shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces.
  • Let the seafood cool completely before adding to the salad.
  • Step 3: Make the Dressing
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
  • Chill the dressing in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  • Step 4: Combine the Salad
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, seafood, celery, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, bell pepper, and olives (if using).
  • Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
  • Sprinkle fresh parsley or dill on top for garnish.
  • Step 5: Chill and Serve
  • Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors blend.
  • Serve chilled and enjoy as a standalone dish or alongside grilled meats or sandwiches.
Keyword salad

Tips for Making the Best Seafood Pasta Salad

  • Seafood options: Use a mix of shrimp, scallops, and crab for a more decadent salad.
  • Add-ins: Incorporate hard-boiled eggs, sweet corn, or diced avocado for extra flavor and texture.
  • Make it zesty: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest or a dash of hot sauce for a tangy kick.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Avoid freezing, as the dressing may separate.

Pairing Suggestions

  • Side options: Pair this pasta salad with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or a light soup.
  • Beverages: Serve with iced tea, lemonade, or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc for a refreshing pairing.

This Seafood Pasta Salad is a versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Light, creamy, and bursting with fresh flavors, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!

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