Description
A creamy, refreshing seafood pasta salad loaded with tender shrimp, sweet crabmeat, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful mayo-based dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, BBQs, or as a light lunch. This chilled salad is rich, satisfying, and bursting with coastal flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6–8):
For the Pasta Salad:
12 oz rotini or elbow pasta
1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
1 cup crabmeat (or imitation crab), chopped
1 cup celery, finely diced
½ cup red onion, finely chopped
½ cup red bell pepper, diced
½ cup frozen peas, thawed (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
For the Creamy Dressing:
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Let cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Seafood & Veggies
If using fresh shrimp, cook in boiling water for 2–3 minutes until pink and opaque. Cool and chop. Dice crabmeat (or imitation crab) and chop vegetables.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Everything
In a large mixing bowl, add cooled pasta, shrimp, crab, vegetables, and parsley. Pour dressing over the mixture and gently fold until evenly coated.
Step 5: Chill & Serve
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to blend. Stir gently before serving.
Notes
• For extra flavor, add a splash of pickle juice or chopped dill pickles.
• Want it lighter? Substitute half the mayo with Greek yogurt.
• Best served cold — chill at least 1 hour before serving.
• Keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Salad / Side Dish
- Method: Boiled / Mixed / Chilled
- Cuisine: American Coastal