Seafood pasta salad is a perfect combination of fresh seafood, tender pasta, and crisp vegetables, all tossed in a light and flavorful dressing. This dish is ideal for warm weather gatherings, picnics, or as a make-ahead meal for busy days. It offers a delicious blend of flavors and textures while being easy to prepare. Whether you serve it as a side dish or a main course, this seafood pasta salad is sure to impress.
Prep Time & Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or bowtie)
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup imitation crab meat, shredded or chopped
- ½ cup celery, finely diced
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup cucumber, chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup black olives, sliced (optional)
For the Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning or seafood seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley, chopped
Instructions
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. Set aside to cool.
Prepare the Seafood and Vegetables
If the shrimp is not pre-cooked, boil or sauté it until pink and opaque. Allow it to cool before chopping into bite-sized pieces. Shred or chop the imitation crab meat. Dice the celery, bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion. Slice the cherry tomatoes and black olives if using.
Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the fresh dill or parsley for extra flavor.
Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shrimp, imitation crab, and all the chopped vegetables. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Chill and Serve
For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled and enjoy as a light meal or side dish.
Tips & Variations
Use fresh seafood – Swap out the shrimp and imitation crab for fresh crab meat, lobster, or scallops for a more gourmet version.
Add more crunch – Toss in diced carrots or shredded cabbage for extra texture.
Make it spicy – Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a kick.
Lighten it up – Replace the mayonnaise with extra Greek yogurt for a healthier dressing option.
Make it ahead – This salad tastes even better the next day, making it a great dish for meal prep.
How to Store
Keep the seafood pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, as the dressing may settle. It is not recommended to freeze this salad due to the dairy-based dressing and fresh vegetables.
Final Thoughts
This seafood pasta salad is a flavorful and refreshing dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender pasta, fresh seafood, and crisp vegetables makes it a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with other dishes. Whether you’re making it for a summer barbecue, a picnic, or a quick lunch, this recipe is a delicious and versatile option.
Seafood Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta penne, rotini, or bowtie
- 1 cup cooked shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 cup imitation crab meat shredded or chopped
- ½ cup celery finely diced
- ½ cup red bell pepper diced
- ½ cup cucumber chopped
- ¼ cup red onion thinly sliced
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ¼ cup black olives sliced (optional)
