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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- While pasta cooks, finely dice celery and imitation crabmeat into uniform pieces. Gently rinse frozen peas under hot water to thaw and drain thoroughly.
- Whisk mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, milk, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.
- Incorporate cooled pasta, prepared celery, crabmeat, and peas into the dressing. Gently fold ingredients to ensure even coating without breaking delicate components.
- Sample the pasta salad and calibrate seasoning, adding additional salt, sugar, or mayonnaise to enhance flavor profile as needed.
- 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