Seafood Pasta Salad is a simple cold pasta salad that works well for lunch, dinner, or gatherings. I like making seafood pasta salad because it’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time. The pasta, seafood, and creamy dressing mix together into a filling salad that doesn’t take much work.
This salad is also nice for warmer days when you want something cold instead of a hot meal. Once everything is mixed together, you just chill it in the fridge and it’s ready to serve.
Why You Will Love This Seafood Pasta Salad
You will love this because it’s easy to make and works well for different occasions. It’s a good option for potlucks, lunches, or simple dinners.
Another reason this seafood pasta salad is popular is that it can be made ahead of time. The flavors mix together as it chills, which makes it even better later.
It’s also easy to change depending on what seafood you want to use.
What You Will Need
To make this Salad you’ll need cooked pasta, seafood, and a simple creamy dressing. Small pasta shapes like macaroni or shells work well because they hold the dressing. Imitation crab is commonly used, but shrimp can also be added. Mayonnaise forms the base of the dressing while lemon juice adds a little brightness. Celery and onion add some crunch.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked small pasta (macaroni or shells), cooled
- 2 cups imitation crab meat, chopped
- ½ cup celery, finely chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Handful of cooked shrimp
How to Make Seafood Pasta Salad
Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain it well and let it cool completely.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped imitation crab, celery, and red onion.
In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving so the flavors can blend.
Stir once more before serving and sprinkle with chopped parsley if you like.
More salad recipes
Seafood Pasta Salad
Description
Seafood Pasta Salad made with pasta, imitation crab, and creamy dressing. An easy cold pasta salad recipe for lunch, potlucks, or summer meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
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3 cups cooked small pasta (macaroni or shells), cooled
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2 cups imitation crab meat, chopped
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½ cup celery, finely chopped
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¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
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1 cup mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
