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Seafood Pasta Salad

Refreshing Seafood Pasta Salad for Summer Gatherings

This Seafood Pasta Salad is a vibrant summer dish featuring shrimp, imitation crab, and crisp vegetables, perfect for gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 310

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Base
  • 2 cups small pasta shapes shells or elbow macaroni
For the Seafood
  • 1 pound shrimp cooked until pink
  • 8 ounces imitation crab can be replaced with real crab or lobster
For the Vegetables
  • 2 stalks celery finely diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper finely diced
  • 1 medium red onion finely diced
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice fresh juice recommended
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning or another seafood seasoning
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • medium bowl
  • Large mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Seafood Pasta Salad
  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add small pasta shapes, cook until al dente (8-10 minutes), drain, and rinse with cold water.
  2. Prepare the Seafood: Cook fresh shrimp in simmering water for 2-3 minutes until pink, or chop pre-cooked shrimp and imitation crab.
  3. Chop the Vegetables: Finely dice celery, red bell pepper, and red onion for balanced flavor. Optionally, chop parsley for garnish.
  4. Make the Dressing: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
  5. Combine Everything: In a large bowl, mix cooled pasta with shrimp, imitation crab, vegetables, and dressing. Toss until well-coated.
  6. Chill Before Serving: Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley and paprika if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 14gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 580mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Seafood Pasta Salad is great for potlucks and customizable with fresh herbs or crunchy additions. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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