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Seafood Pasta Salad

Refreshing Seafood Pasta Salad for a Perfect Summer Bite

This Seafood Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of fresh seafood and crisp vegetables, perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Rotini or Penne Pasta Use rotini or penne for the best texture.
For the Protein
  • 1 lb Shrimp (fresh or pre-cooked) Cook until pink or chop pre-cooked shrimp.
  • 8 oz Imitation Crab Can substitute with real crab or lobster.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 cup Celery Add a refreshing crunch.
  • 1 cup Red Bell Pepper Contributes sweetness and color.
  • 1 medium Red Onion Offers a sharp flavor.
For the Creamy Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Forms the dressing base.
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream Adds creaminess.
  • 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard Provides tanginess.
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice Brightens up the flavors.
  • 1 tbsp Old Bay Seasoning Delivers seafood flavor.
  • to taste Salt & Pepper Adjust to taste.
Optional Toppings
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley For garnishing.
  • 1 tsp Paprika Adding a hint of smokiness.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Cutting Board

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini or penne pasta and cook for about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Prepare Shrimp: If using fresh shrimp, cook in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes until pink. Cool and chop into pieces.
  3. Chop Veggies: Dice celery, red bell pepper, and red onion into small pieces. Chop fresh parsley for garnish.
  4. Make Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Stir in Old Bay seasoning and season with salt and pepper.
  5. Combine Salad: In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with chopped shrimp, imitation crab, diced vegetables, and dressing. Toss gently to coat.
  6. Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Garnish with parsley and a sprinkle of paprika before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 200mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 8mg

Notes

Chilling allows flavors to meld beautifully. Avoid freezing, and use the freshest ingredients for best results.

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