When summer rolls around and the days get longer and hotter, there’s nothing more satisfying than a cold, refreshing pasta salad. And when you add tender shrimp, imitation crab, crisp veggies, and a creamy dressing? Magic happens. ✨
Seafood Pasta Salad is the star of summer gatherings at my family’s table. It’s packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, a beach picnic, or a simple weekday meal, this dish will steal the show — no heavy oven cooking required!
I’m excited to share a tried-and-true version that’s creamy, light, and absolutely delicious. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Seafood Pasta Salad
☀️ Perfect for Summer: Cool, refreshing, and picnic-ready.
🦐 Loaded with Seafood: Shrimp and crab for a flavorful combo.
🥗 Veggie Packed: Crunch from celery, bell peppers, and onions.
🍋 Zesty and Creamy: Balanced with a light dressing and lemon.
🎉 Crowd-Pleaser: Great for potlucks, BBQs, or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 12 oz small pasta (elbow macaroni, shells, or rotini)
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup imitation crab meat, chopped
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ½ red onion, finely diced
- 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
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: a pinch of paprika for garnish
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Strainer
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl for dressing
- Whisk
- Knife and cutting board
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely. Set aside.
Tip: Rinsing the pasta stops the cooking process and cools it down quickly, perfect for pasta salads.
2. Prepare the Seafood
If using fresh shrimp, cook them until pink and opaque (about 2-3 minutes in boiling water).
If using pre-cooked shrimp, simply chop them into bite-sized pieces.
Chop imitation crab meat into small chunks.
3. Chop the Veggies
Dice the celery, red bell pepper, and red onion into small pieces.
Chop parsley finely for garnishing.
4. Make the Creamy Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Pro Tip: Adjust seasoning to taste — add a splash of hot sauce if you like a little kick!
5. Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, shrimp, crab meat, diced vegetables, and dressing.
Toss gently until everything is well coated.
6. Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Before serving, sprinkle with fresh parsley and a pinch of paprika if desired.
Optional Serving Suggestion: Serve over a bed of lettuce for a beautiful presentation!
Tips for the Best Seafood Pasta Salad
- Use Small Pasta: Shells, elbow macaroni, or rotini grab onto the creamy dressing beautifully.
- Chill Time Matters: Letting the salad sit in the fridge allows the flavors to meld together perfectly.
- Fresh Lemon Is Key: Don’t skip the lemon juice — it brightens up the entire dish.
- Customize It: Add green peas, diced cucumber, or swap in real crab or lobster for an upscale twist!
Creative Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a splash of hot sauce or a diced jalapeño.
- Avocado Addition: Stir in diced avocado right before serving for extra creaminess.
- Greek-Style: Swap mayo for Greek yogurt, add diced cucumbers and a sprinkle of dill.
- Asian Fusion: Use sesame oil, soy sauce, and green onions instead of the creamy dressing for a lighter twist.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Protein | 14 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 80 mg |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Vitamin C | 30% DV |
| Calcium | 8% DV |
| Iron | 10% DV |
Nutrition values are approximate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make seafood pasta salad a day ahead?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s even better the next day once all the flavors have melded together.
How long does seafood pasta salad last in the fridge?
It’s best eaten within 2-3 days. Always keep it refrigerated and covered.
Can I freeze seafood pasta salad?
No, freezing is not recommended as the mayo-based dressing and seafood do not thaw well.
What seafood can I use besides shrimp and imitation crab?
Real crab, lobster, or even scallops would be delicious upgrades!
More Refreshing Summer Recipes
- Classic Tuna Pasta Salad
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers
- Chilled Cucumber Avocado Soup
- Easy Summer Veggie Pasta
Conclusion: Your Go-To Summer Pasta Salad
This Seafood Pasta Salad is everything you want in a summer dish: light, flavorful, and packed with fresh ingredients.
It’s a breeze to make, easy to transport, and guaranteed to please at any gathering — from sunny backyard parties to beachside picnics.
Give it a try, and watch it disappear bowl by bowl!
Print
Seafood Pasta Salad : Light and Flavorful
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (Chill Time: 1 hour (recommended))
Description
When summer rolls around and the days get longer and hotter, there’s nothing more satisfying than a cold, refreshing pasta salad. And when you add tender shrimp, imitation crab, crisp veggies, and a creamy dressing? Magic happens.
Ingredients
- 12 oz small pasta (elbow macaroni, shells, or rotini)
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup imitation crab meat, chopped
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ½ red onion, finely diced
- 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
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: a pinch of paprika for garnish
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely. Set aside.
Tip: Rinsing the pasta stops the cooking process and cools it down quickly, perfect for pasta salads.
If using fresh shrimp, cook them until pink and opaque (about 2-3 minutes in boiling water).
If using pre-cooked shrimp, simply chop them into bite-sized pieces.
Chop imitation crab meat into small chunks.
Dice the celery, red bell pepper, and red onion into small pieces.
Chop parsley finely for garnishing.
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Pro Tip: Adjust seasoning to taste — add a splash of hot sauce if you like a little kick!
In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, shrimp, crab meat, diced vegetables, and dressing.
Toss gently until everything is well coated.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Before serving, sprinkle with fresh parsley and a pinch of paprika if desired.
Optional Serving Suggestion: Serve over a bed of lettuce for a beautiful presentation!
Notes
- Use Small Pasta: Shells, elbow macaroni, or rotini grab onto the creamy dressing beautifully.
- Chill Time Matters: Letting the salad sit in the fridge allows the flavors to meld together perfectly.
- Fresh Lemon Is Key: Don’t skip the lemon juice — it brightens up the entire dish.
- Customize It: Add green peas, diced cucumber, or swap in real crab or lobster for an upscale twist!
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
Keywords: The BEST Seafood Pasta Salad
