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Delicious Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.4 from 43 reviews

A flavorful and refreshing Seafood Pasta Salad featuring tender shrimp, imitation crab, and crisp vegetables, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing with a hint of Old Bay seasoning. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch.

Ingredients

For the Salad

  • 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

For the Dressing

  • 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)

For Garnish

  • Chopped parsley
  • Dash of paprika

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta.
  2. Prepare the Seafood: If using fresh shrimp, boil them for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink. If using pre-cooked shrimp, chop them into bite-sized pieces. Also, chop the imitation crab into similar sizes.
  3. Dice the Vegetables: Finely dice the celery, red bell pepper, and red onion to add crunch and flavor to the salad.
  4. Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), sour cream (or extra mayonnaise), Dijon mustard, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
  5. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, shrimp, imitation crab, and diced vegetables. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
  6. Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle chopped parsley and a dash of paprika over the top for a fresh and colorful finish.

Notes

  • Allow the salad to chill for at least an hour for the best flavor combination.
  • Adjust seasoning, including salt, pepper, and Old Bay, to suit your taste preferences.
  • Using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise reduces fat and calories for a lighter version.
  • Make sure to rinse pasta under cold water to prevent it from sticking and to cool properly before tossing with dressing.

Find it online: https://deliciousyum.com/delicious-seafood-pasta-salad-recipe/