Go Back
–+ servings
Seafood Pasta Salad

Seafood Pasta Salad: A Fresh & Flavorful Summer Favorite

Seafood Pasta Salad is a light, delicious dish that combines shrimp, imitation crab, and fresh vegetables with a creamy dressing, perfect for summer gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces small pasta (shells or rotini)
For the Seafood
  • 1 pound fresh shrimp cooked until pink and opaque
  • 8 ounces imitation crab can substitute real crab or lobster
For the Vegetables
  • 1 cup celery diced
  • 1 cup red bell pepper diced
  • 1 cup red onion diced
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup mayonnaise can use Greek yogurt for lighter option
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or more mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice fresh is best
  • 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning or Cajun seasoning
  • to taste salt & pepper

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • mixing bowl
  • Small Mixing Bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Seafood Pasta Salad
  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add small pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Prepare the Shrimp: Cook fresh shrimp in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until pink, or chop pre-cooked shrimp. Let cool.
  3. Chop the Ingredients: Dice celery, red bell pepper, and red onion. Chop imitation crab into bite-sized chunks. Mince parsley if desired.
  4. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  5. Combine All Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cooled pasta, shrimp, imitation crab, and vegetables. Drizzle with dressing and toss to combine.
  6. Chill the Salad: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to meld flavors.
  7. Serve and Garnish: Toss before serving and garnish with parsley and paprika if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 15gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking. Chill for at least 1 hour for best flavor. Use fresh lemon juice for optimal taste. Avoid freezing the salad.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!