Name: Delicious Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups small pasta (like shells or elbow macaroni); 1 pound cooked shrimp (can use pre-cooked for convenience); 8 ounces imitation crab, chopped; 1 cup celery, diced; 1 cup red bell pepper, diced; 1 small red onion, diced; 1 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a lighter version; 1/2 cup sour cream or additional mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (adjust to taste); 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (to taste); 1 teaspoon salt (to taste); 1 teaspoon black pepper (to taste); Chopped parsley; Dash of paprika

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 43 reviews

If you are craving a dish that brings the rich flavors of the ocean together with the comforting familiarity of pasta, this Delicious Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s bright, tangy, and perfectly creamy, packed with tender shrimp, flavorful imitation crab, and crisp, colorful veggies. Every bite bursts with freshness and zest, making it an irresistible choice for warm days, potlucks, or anytime you want to impress your friends with a salad that feels both light and indulgent. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of seaside flavors you’ll want to return to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A bowl of creamy pasta with shrimp sits on a white marbled surface. The pasta is light yellow and spiral-shaped, mixed evenly with juicy pink shrimp that have a slight shine. Scattered among the pasta and shrimp are small pieces of red bell pepper. The dish is topped with small bits of fresh green parsley and sprinkled with black pepper, adding contrast to the cream color of the sauce coating everything. The bowl is white with a rustic, slightly worn edge, and a blue and white striped cloth is partly visible beneath it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple and easy to find, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of taste, texture, and vibrant color that makes this Delicious Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe so unforgettable.

2 cups small pasta (shells or elbow macaroni): Perfect for holding onto the creamy dressing and seafood bits with every forkful.
1 pound cooked shrimp: Tender and juicy, adding that fresh-from-the-sea flavor and a lovely pink contrast.
8 ounces imitation crab: Affordable and delicious, contributing sweetness and a satisfying bite.
1 cup celery, diced: Provides a crisp, refreshing crunch that brightens the salad.
1 cup red bell pepper, diced: Adds sweetness and a pop of vibrant red color to the dish.
1 small red onion, diced: Offers a mild sharpness that balances the creaminess of the dressing.
1 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt: The creamy base for the dressing, Greek yogurt adds a tangy lightness if preferred.
1/2 cup sour cream or extra mayonnaise: Enhances the dressing’s smooth texture and richness.
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle zing and depth, making the dressing lively and bright.
2 tablespoons lemon juice: Freshly squeezed for a burst of citrus that awakens all the flavors.
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning: The star seasoning that gives a classic seafood twist with a slight kick.
1 teaspoon salt: To bring out the natural flavors of every ingredient.
1 teaspoon pepper: Adds mild heat and rounds off the seasoning.

How to Make Delicious Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Start by boiling the pasta in a generously salted pot of water for 8 to 10 minutes until it’s perfectly tender yet firm to the bite. Once cooked, drain it thoroughly and rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process and cool it down quickly, which helps maintain the pasta’s texture in the salad.

Step 2: Prepare the Seafood

If you’re using fresh shrimp, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook them for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn a lovely pink. For pre-cooked shrimp, simply chop into bite-sized pieces. The imitation crab should also be chopped into similarly sized chunks. This even sizing ensures every spoonful includes a balanced combination of seafood.

Step 3: Dice the Vegetables

Dice celery, red bell pepper, and red onion into small, uniform pieces. These vegetables not only bring amazing texture contrasts but also infuse a fresh, garden-fresh flavor and eye-catching color that makes the salad feel lively and appetizing.

Step 4: Whisk the Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. This dressing is creamy with a pleasant tang and a little bite, coaxing all the seafood and veggies to shine even more in the salad.

Step 5: Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the cooled pasta, chopped shrimp, imitation crab, and diced vegetables with the dressing until every bit is evenly coated. This ensures each scoop delivers a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.

Step 6: Chill and Marinate

Cover the salad tightly and refrigerate for at least one hour. This resting time allows the dressing’s flavors to seep in and marry beautifully with the seafood and veggies for a more cohesive and satisfying taste experience.

How to Serve Delicious Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe

A bowl filled with creamy rotini pasta, light yellow in color, mixed with several plump, pink and white shrimp spread evenly throughout. The pasta and shrimp are coated in a pale, creamy white sauce with visible green herb flakes scattered on top. The bowl is white with a dark rim and is placed on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth partially visible underneath. The image shows a close-up view with the pasta and shrimp filling the frame, highlighting the creamy texture and fresh herbs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Before serving, sprinkle the salad with freshly chopped parsley and a dash of paprika. The parsley adds a fresh herbaceous note while paprika brings a subtle smoky warmth and a splash of color, making the presentation as inviting as the flavors.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with light side dishes like a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or grilled vegetables. These companions complement the seafood pasta salad without overpowering its delicate flavors, making your meal balanced and complete.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this Delicious Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe inside hollowed-out tomatoes or mini bell peppers, turning your dish into charming edible bowls. Alternatively, scoop it onto a bed of leafy greens or serve in individual mason jars for easy grab-and-go portions that look as good as they taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This salad keeps very well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen over time, but for the freshest texture, try to enjoy it within the first couple of days.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this Delicious Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe because the creamy dressing and vegetables may separate and become watery once thawed, affecting the texture and flavor.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. Simply take it out of the fridge a little before serving and give it a gentle stir to refresh the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use other types of seafood in this pasta salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with crab meat, scallops, or even cooked lobster to personalize the salad and add your favorite seafood flavors.

Is there a way to make this salad dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute dairy-based mayonnaise and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives available at most grocery stores, ensuring the salad remains creamy and delicious without dairy.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

Swap the mayonnaise and sour cream for Greek yogurt to reduce fat and add more protein, and consider adding more fresh veggies like cucumbers or cherry tomatoes to boost fiber and nutrients.

What type of pasta works best for this salad?

Small shapes like shells, elbow macaroni, or small rotini are ideal because they hold the dressing well and mix nicely with the seafood and veggies without overpowering the dish.

Can I prepare this salad in advance for a party?

Definitely! Prepare it a few hours ahead and refrigerate so the flavors have time to meld. Just garnish right before serving to keep it looking fresh and vibrant.

Final Thoughts

This Delicious Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. Its wonderful balance of creamy, tangy, fresh, and savory notes means you can trust it will be a hit at your next gathering or a delightful weeknight dinner. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and share the joy of a fantastic seafood pasta salad with your loved ones—you won’t regret it!