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a glass bowl filled with pasta and shrimp

Fresh and Creamy Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe You Must Try


  • Author: Elisa
  • Total Time: 30
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Learn how to make the best Seafood Pasta Salad with crab, shrimp, pasta, and a creamy dressing. Perfect for any gathering!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound small pasta shells

  • 1 pound imitation crab meat, chopped

  • 1/2 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • 1 cup diced celery

  • 1/2 cup diced red onion

  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed

  • 1 cup mayonnaise

  • 1/2 cup sour cream

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)


Instructions

First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, then set aside to cool.

Meanwhile, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Set the dressing aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped imitation crab, cooked shrimp, diced celery, diced red onion, and thawed peas. Gently toss to combine all the ingredients evenly.

Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well to coat everything thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

 

Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and give the salad a gentle toss to refresh it.

Notes

Although this dish is simple, there are a few common mistakes you should avoid. One mistake is not seasoning the pasta water properly. Pasta cooked in plain water can taste bland, so always add a generous amount of salt to the cooking water.

Another mistake is adding the dressing while the pasta is still warm. Always cool the pasta completely before mixing it with the dressing to prevent it from becoming greasy.

 

Additionally, do not skimp on chilling time. Allowing the salad to chill properly enhances the flavor and texture, making the salad much more enjoyable.

  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 10
  • Category: DINNER
  • Cuisine: AMERICAIN

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 571