The Zesty Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe Everyone Will Love

Ocean-fresh ingredients dance together in this vibrant seafood pasta salad that promises a burst of coastal flavors.

Tender shrimp and delicate crab mingle with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a light and refreshing dish.

Mediterranean herbs and crisp vegetables add layers of color and zest to every forkful.

The creamy dressing brings a smooth, tangy embrace that ties all the elements together beautifully.

Summer gatherings or quick weeknight dinners find their perfect companion in this easy-to-prepare meal.

Each bite delivers a symphony of textures and tastes that transport you straight to a seaside cafe.

Dive into this delightful seafood pasta salad and let your taste buds embark on a delicious culinary adventure.

Why Seafood Pasta Salad Is a Summer Favorite

• Create Your Own Mix: Craft a personalized country gravy blend with simple pantry staples, giving you total control over flavor and ingredients without relying on store-bought packets.
• Customize and Transform: Easily adapt the basic recipe by adding browned sausage or experimenting with different fat options like bacon grease or butter, making it versatile for multiple meal styles.
• Quick Comfort Food Solution: Prepare a delicious homemade gravy in minutes that elevates everyday dishes like biscuits, mashed potatoes, and rice with rich, savory goodness.
• Long-Lasting Convenience: Store the dry mix in an airtight container for months, ensuring you always have a quick gravy solution ready whenever comfort food cravings strike.

Everything Needed for Seafood Pasta Salad Bowls

• Pasta: A classic base for this refreshing seafood salad that provides a hearty texture.
• Imitation Crabmeat: Adds a delightful seafood flavor and protein to the pasta salad.
• Frozen Peas: Brings a sweet and vibrant green color to the dish.

• Celery: Provides a crisp and fresh crunch that complements the soft pasta and crabmeat.

• Mayonnaise, Sugar, Vinegar, Milk, Salt, Pepper: These ingredients blend together to create a creamy and balanced dressing that coats the pasta and enhances the overall flavor of the salad.

Steps to Prepare Fresh Seafood Pasta Salad

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Drop pasta into a large pot of salted water. Cook until tender but still firm, about 8-10 minutes.

Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Let pasta cool completely.

Step 2: Prep Fresh Components

• Chop crisp celery into small pieces
• Slice imitation crabmeat into bite-sized chunks
• Thaw frozen peas under warm water and drain thoroughly

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Dressing

• Creamy mayonnaise
• Granulated sugar
• White vinegar
• Whole milk
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk until smooth and well-combined.

Step 4: Mix All Ingredients

Gently fold cooled pasta, chopped celery, crabmeat, and peas into the dressing.

Ensure every morsel gets beautifully coated with the creamy sauce.

Step 5: Enhance Flavor Profile

Taste and adjust seasonings.

Add extra salt, sugar, or mayonnaise to match your preferred flavor intensity.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Cover bowl and refrigerate for several hours.

This allows flavors to meld and develop a more complex taste. Serve cold as a refreshing side dish or light meal.

Notes for a Creamy Seafood Salad Success

• Use cold water to stop cooking process and prevent overcooking, ensuring perfect pasta texture for the salad.
• Run frozen peas under hot water quickly to maintain their bright color and prevent waterlogging.
• Whisk ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, well-blended sauce that coats ingredients evenly.
• Refrigerate salad for at least 2-3 hours to allow flavors to meld and develop a more robust taste profile.
• Swap imitation crabmeat with fresh crab, shrimp, or even cooked chicken for variety and personal preference.

Tasty Swaps for Your Pasta Salad Bowl

• Mediterranean Seafood Pasta: Replace imitation crabmeat with grilled shrimp and add diced cucumber, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Swap mayonnaise dressing with olive oil and lemon vinaigrette.
• Low-Carb Seafood Salad: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter dressing.
• Spicy Asian Seafood Pasta: Add sriracha sauce, chopped green onions, and replace vinegar with rice wine vinegar. Mix in diced red bell peppers and use sesame oil for extra flavor.

What Goes Well With Seafood Pasta Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio that complements the seafood's delicate flavors and cuts through the creamy dressing.
• Serve with Buttery Chardonnay: Choose a lightly oaked chardonnay to match the rich mayonnaise base and enhance the crabmeat's subtle sweetness.
• Add Refreshing Side Salad: Create a light green salad with cucumber and lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's creaminess and provide a fresh contrast.
• Include Crusty Bread: Offer a slice of french baguette or sourdough to soak up the dressing and add a satisfying textural element to the meal.

Storing Seafood Pasta Salad the Best Way

• Store seafood pasta salad in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep it chilled to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer salad to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Frozen mayonnaise-based salads might separate slightly upon thawing.
• Remove from freezer and let defrost in refrigerator overnight. Stir well before serving to recombine ingredients and restore original texture.
• Add a small amount of fresh mayonnaise or a splash of milk to revive the creamy consistency if the salad seems dry after storage.

FAQs

• Is imitation crabmeat the same as real crab?

Imitation crabmeat is made from processed fish like pollock, not actual crab. It’s a more affordable alternative that provides similar texture and flavor.

• Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh peas work great. Just blanch them briefly in boiling water for 1-2 minutes before adding to the salad.

• How long can this seafood pasta salad stay in the refrigerator?

The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Just make sure to keep it in a sealed container and stir before serving.

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Short pasta shapes like rotini, shells, or elbow macaroni are ideal because they hold the dressing well and mix easily with other ingredients.

Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mediterranean seafood pasta salad beckons with coastal charm, blending fresh shrimp, tender calamari, and zesty herbs. Crisp vegetables and tangy dressing create a light, refreshing meal perfect for summer gatherings where coastal flavors dance on your plate.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 (12 ounces/340 grams) tri-color pasta
• 1 pound (454 grams) imitation crabmeat, chopped
• 1 cup frozen green peas

Vegetables:

• 3 stalks celery, chopped

Dressing and Seasonings:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 1/2 tablespoons (22.5 milliliters) white sugar
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) white vinegar
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) milk
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) salt
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Boil a large pot of lightly salted water and cook pasta for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Quickly rinse under cold water to halt cooking and drain completely.
2. While pasta cooks, finely dice celery and imitation crabmeat into uniform pieces. Gently rinse frozen peas under hot water to thaw and drain thoroughly.
3. Whisk mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, milk, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.
4. Incorporate cooled pasta, prepared celery, crabmeat, and peas into the dressing. Gently fold ingredients to ensure even coating without breaking delicate components.
5. Sample the pasta salad and calibrate seasoning, adding additional salt, sugar, or mayonnaise to enhance flavor profile as needed.
6. Seal the bowl with a tight-fitting lid or plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours to allow flavors to meld and develop a cohesive taste. Serve chilled for optimal enjoyment.

Notes

• Swap imitation crabmeat with real crab or shrimp for a more authentic seafood experience.
• Use whole wheat pasta to boost nutritional value and add a nutty flavor to the dish.
• Enhance protein content by adding diced hard-boiled eggs or chopped almonds for extra crunch.
• Try fresh herbs like dill or parsley to brighten the overall flavor profile of the salad.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 407 kcal
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 556 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 13 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg