Seafood Pasta Salad : A Flavorful Summer Favorite Recipe
This Seafood Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful summer favorite combining tender pasta, fresh seafood, and crisp vegetables tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing flavored with Old Bay seasoning. Perfectly chilled and garnished with fresh parsley and a hint of paprika, this salad makes a refreshing and satisfying light meal or side dish ideal for warm weather gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Seafood
- 12 oz small pasta (elbow macaroni, shells, or rotini)
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup imitation crab meat, chopped
Vegetables
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ½ red onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
Dressing
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- A pinch of paprika
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely. Set aside. Rinsing the pasta stops the cooking process and ensures it is cool, perfect for pasta salad.
- Prepare the Seafood: If using fresh shrimp, cook them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. If pre-cooked shrimp are used, chop them into bite-sized pieces. Chop the imitation crab meat into small chunks as well.
- Chop the Veggies: Dice the celery, red bell pepper, and red onion finely. Chop fresh parsley for garnish.
- Make the Creamy Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste, adding hot sauce if desired for a kick.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, shrimp, crab meat, diced vegetables, and creamy dressing. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and salad to chill. Before serving, sprinkle with fresh parsley and a pinch of paprika if desired. Optionally, serve over a bed of lettuce for an attractive presentation.
Notes
- Rinsing pasta in cold water is essential to stop cooking and keep pasta firm in the salad.
- Using pre-cooked shrimp saves time; if using fresh, make sure not to overcook.
- Old Bay seasoning adds classic seafood flavor but can be adjusted or substituted according to preference.
- Chilling at least 1 hour enhances flavor and texture.
- For extra zest, add a splash of hot sauce or a dash of paprika in the dressing.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead and stored refrigerated for best taste.
Keywords: seafood pasta salad, shrimp pasta salad, summer salad, creamy pasta salad, cold pasta salad, seafood salad, Old Bay seasoning salad
