Name: Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 ounces elbow macaroni or small shell pasta, cooked and cooled; 1/2 pound cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped; 1/2 pound imitation crab meat, chopped; 1 cup celery, finely diced; 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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There’s nothing quite like a big bowl of Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab when you want something refreshing, light, but still packed with enough flavor to steal the show. This crowd-pleasing classic blends tender pasta, juicy shrimp, sweet crab, and a medley of crisp veggies, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing that infuses every bite with summer picnic vibes. Whether you’re planning a backyard cookout, a potluck, or just need a delicious make-ahead lunch, this salad is vibrant, satisfying, and guaranteed to be the first thing to disappear from the table.

Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab truly shine is the colorful lineup of simple and fresh ingredients, each bringing unique texture and flavor. Prep is quick and easy, and every addition earns its spot in the bowl.

Elbow macaroni or small shell pasta (12 ounces): These shapes hold the creamy dressing perfectly, ensuring a flavorful bite every time.
Cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped (1/2 pound): The sweet and slightly briny shrimp is the star protein that makes the salad special.
Imitation crab meat, chopped (1/2 pound): A budget-friendly way to add that classic crab flavor and a bit of sweetness throughout.
Celery, finely diced (1 cup): Brings irresistible crunch and a refreshing contrast to the creamy elements.
Red bell pepper, diced (1/2 cup): Offers a beautiful pop of color and a subtle, sweet bite.
Red onion, finely chopped (1/4 cup): Adds a gentle sharpness and more depth to the flavor mix.
Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The backbone of the creamy dressing for that classic, lush texture.
Sour cream (1/2 cup): Gives the dressing just the right tang and silkiness; Greek yogurt can be swapped in for a lighter version.
Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Subtle heat and tang sharpens every bite.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds zesty brightness and balances the richness of the dressing.
Old Bay seasoning (1 teaspoon): The iconic seafood seasoning amplifies all those ocean flavors.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for tying together all the flavors without overwhelming the freshness.
Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons): Sprinkled in for herbaceous, vibrant finishing notes.

How to Make Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Boil the pasta according to package directions until just tender, then drain and rinse under cold water. This quick rinse is crucial—it stops the cooking process and keeps every piece perfectly springy, so your Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab won’t turn soft or soggy. Set aside and let it cool while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Mix the Seafood and Vegetables

Grab your largest mixing bowl and pile in the chopped shrimp, crab meat, celery, red bell pepper, and red onion. Toss this together to distribute all those wonderful colors and textures evenly—it’s already looking festive!

Step 3: Whisk the Creamy Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Old Bay seasoning with a good pinch of salt and black pepper. Aim for a silky, unified dressing that clings beautifully when poured over the salad.

Step 4: Combine and Toss

Add your cooled pasta to the seafood and veggie mixture, pour the dressing on top, and gently toss everything until well coated. The goal is to dress every nook and cranny without crushing the tender shrimp and crab.

Step 5: Add Fresh Parsley and Chill

Sprinkle in the fresh parsley and give your salad one more gentle mix. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. This melding time is essential for the Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab to develop its balanced, craveable flavors.

How to Serve Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab

Garnishes

Just before serving, a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley on top brings a splash of green and a touch of brightness. For a little flair, add some thin lemon slices or a dusting of extra Old Bay seasoning. If you want to get fancy, a scattering of tiny cooked shrimp or a few more pieces of crab make it feel restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab plays nicely with so many sides. Pair with a warm, crusty baguette or garlic breadsticks for a satisfyingly complete plate. Light, zesty side salads like arugula with lemon vinaigrette or grilled corn on the cob are delightful companions. Don’t forget icy drinks – lemonade or a crisp white wine make it a little celebration!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, spoon the Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab into individual cups or jars for easy serving and a pretty presentation. If you want to impress, serve on a bed of crisp lettuce leaves or pile high in a hollowed-out bell pepper. And for summertime picnics, a big family-style platter garnished with extra lemon and herbs is a show-stopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any remaining Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab tightly and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to three days, making it one of the best make-ahead salads for busy weeks or lazy afternoons. Stir before serving to reincorporate the dressing.

Freezing

It’s best not to freeze this salad. The creamy dressing tends to split, and the vegetables can get watery and limp once thawed. For optimal texture and taste, enjoy your Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab fresh from the fridge within a few days.

Reheating

This is a dish designed to be enjoyed cold, so there’s no need to reheat. If it has been chilling for a while, let it sit out for 10 minutes before serving to soften the pasta and allow the flavors to shine.

FAQs

Can I use fresh crab instead of imitation crab?

Absolutely! Fresh crab will elevate your Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab with delicate flavor and tender texture. Just make sure to pick over the crab for any bits of shell before adding.

Is it possible to make this salad a day in advance?

Yes, making it ahead is actually encouraged! The flavors deepen as the salad chills, and it’s even tastier the next day. Just give it a gentle toss before serving in case the dressing settles.

Do I have to use Old Bay seasoning?

If you don’t have Old Bay, try paprika with a pinch of celery salt and a dash of cayenne pepper for a similar hint of spice. The spice blend really complements the seafood, but don’t worry if you need to improvise.

Can I substitute other proteins?

Certainly! You can swap in cooked lobster, canned tuna, or even flaked salmon for a slightly different but equally delicious variation on Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab.

What’s the best pasta shape for this salad?

Elbows and small shells are favorites because they’re fun to eat and trap lots of creamy dressing, but bowtie, rotini, or penne all work well too. Just aim for a small shape that mixes evenly.

Final Thoughts

Give yourself a treat and whip up a bowl of Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab – it’s easy, full of color and flavor, and sure to become your new go-to dish for gatherings and weekday meals alike. Share it with friends and family, and watch it become an instant classic on your table!

Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab is a delightful and refreshing dish perfect for a light lunch or as a side at a summer gathering. The combination of tender shrimp, crab meat, and a creamy dressing tossed with pasta and crunchy vegetables creates a flavorful and satisfying salad.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces elbow macaroni or small shell pasta, cooked and cooled

Seafood Mix:

1/2 pound cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
1/2 pound imitation crab meat, chopped

Veggies:

1 cup celery, finely diced
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

Dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions, drain, and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.
Prepare Seafood Mix: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shrimp, crab meat, celery, red bell pepper, and red onion.
Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine and Chill: Add the cooled pasta to the seafood mixture, pour the dressing over the top, and toss until well coated. Sprinkle in the parsley and mix again. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled.