Name: Seafood Pasta Salad: Your Light Summer Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz Pasta (small shapes like shells or rotini); 1 lb Shrimp (fresh or pre-cooked); 8 oz Imitation Crab (Cut into small chunks); 1 cup Celery (Diced finely); 1 medium Red Bell Pepper (Diced finely); 1 small Red Onion (Diced finely); 1/4 cup Parsley (Chopped finely for garnishing); 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (Adjust to taste); 1/2 cup Sour Cream; 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard; 2 tbsp Lemon Juice (Freshly squeezed); 1 tbsp Old Bay Seasoning (Adjust according to taste); 1 tsp Salt; 1 tsp Pepper

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Seafood Pasta Salad is the ultimate dish to enjoy during the warm summer months. This refreshing salad combines a medley of seafood and pasta, creating a delightful blend of flavors and textures that is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a light dinner. Whether you’re looking for a quick seafood pasta recipe or a creamy seafood pasta salad to impress your guests, this recipe has it all. With vibrant vegetables and a creamy dressing, it’s a dish that delivers both nutrition and satisfaction.

Why You’ll Love This Seafood Pasta Salad

This seafood pasta dish offers multiple benefits that make it a must-try. Firstly, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite seafood options or seasonal vegetables. Secondly, it’s a healthy seafood pasta salad option, packed with protein from shrimp and crab, making it a filling meal. Thirdly, it’s quick to prepare, taking only about 15 minutes of cooking time, plus chilling time. Fourthly, it serves beautifully as a cold seafood pasta salad, making it ideal for hot days. Additionally, the creamy dressing adds a luxurious touch, enhancing the flavor profile. Lastly, this dish can easily be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta, ensuring everyone can enjoy it!

Ingredients for Seafood Pasta Salad

Gather these items:

8 oz Pasta (small shapes like shells or rotini)
1 lb Shrimp (fresh or pre-cooked)
8 oz Imitation Crab (Cut into small chunks)
1 cup Celery (Diced finely)
1 medium Red Bell Pepper (Diced finely)
1 small Red Onion (Diced finely)
1/4 cup Parsley (Chopped finely for garnishing)
1/2 cup Mayonnaise (Adjust to taste)
1/2 cup Sour Cream
1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
2 tbsp Lemon Juice (Freshly squeezed)
1 tbsp Old Bay Seasoning (Adjust according to taste)
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Pepper

How to Make Seafood Pasta Salad Step-by-Step

Step 1: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta until al dente—usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, then set aside to cool.
Step 2: If you’re using fresh shrimp, cook them in boiling water until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes. For pre-cooked shrimp, simply chop them into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
Step 3: Dice celery, red bell pepper, and red onion into small, uniform pieces. Finely chop the parsley for garnishing.
Step 4: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 5: In a large serving bowl, gently combine the cooled pasta, chopped shrimp, imitation crab, diced vegetables, and the creamy dressing. Toss everything until well-coated.
Step 6: Cover your pasta salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour.
Step 7: Optional: Garnish with extra parsley and a sprinkle of paprika just before serving.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Seafood Pasta Salad

Keep these in mind:

Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or seafood.
This salad can be made a day in advance for better flavor.
To elevate your dish, consider adding a splash of white wine vinegar for acidity.
For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the dressing.

Best Ways to Serve Seafood Pasta Salad

This pasta salad with seafood can be served in various delightful ways. Pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal or serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a hearty dinner. It also makes an excellent side dish for summer barbecues, where it can complement grilled meats beautifully. For those looking for a lighter option, consider serving it on a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing salad.

How to Store and Reheat Seafood Pasta Salad

This dish is best served cold, making it ideal for meal prep. After preparing your seafood salad with pasta, cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. It can last for about 3-4 days, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week. If you want to make it ahead of time, just follow the recipe and store it in the fridge until ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Seafood Pasta Salad

What’s the secret to perfect Seafood Pasta Salad?

The secret lies in balancing the flavors of seafood and dressing. Use fresh ingredients, and don’t overcook the pasta. A light vinaigrette can also enhance the dish’s flavor.

Can I make Seafood Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a more delicious salad. Just keep it refrigerated until serving.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Seafood Pasta Salad?

Be sure not to overcook the pasta, as it can become mushy. Also, ensure that you chill the salad before serving to enhance the flavors. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.

Variations of Seafood Pasta Salad You Can Try

There are numerous seafood pasta salad variations you can explore. For a Mediterranean twist, add olives and feta cheese. For a spicy kick, include diced jalapeños or a bit of hot sauce. You can also experiment with different seafood types, such as scallops or lobster, to find the best seafood for pasta salad that suits your taste.

For more delicious seafood recipes, check out Shrimp Alfredo or Creamy Tuscan Scallops. If you’re interested in healthy meal options, consider Honey Mustard Crusted Tilapia as a side dish.