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Seafood Pasta Salad

Creamy Seafood Pasta Salad for Refreshing Summer Gatherings

This Seafood Pasta Salad is a refreshing and creamy dish perfect for summer gatherings with shrimp, crab, and vibrant veggies.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Base
  • 2 cups small pasta (shells or elbow macaroni) gluten-free pasta works great too
For the Protein
  • 1 lb fresh shrimp cooked until pink or use pre-cooked
  • 8 oz imitation crab chopped into small pieces
For the Crunch
  • 1 cup celery diced
  • 1 cup red bell pepper diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion diced
For the Creamy Dressing
  • 1 cup mayonnaise Greek yogurt can be a healthier alternative
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or use all Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard for a tangy kick
  • 1 juice of fresh lemon brightens up all the flavors
  • 1-2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning or substitute with paprika and cayenne pepper
Seasonings
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Medium bowl
  • Large mixing bowl
  • cutting board
  • sharp knife

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the small pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. If using fresh shrimp, boil in a smaller pot of salted water for 2-3 minutes until pink. Drain, cool, and chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Dice the celery, red bell pepper, and red onion into small pieces. Optionally, chop fresh parsley for garnish.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Old Bay seasoning until smooth.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, shrimp, imitation crab, and diced vegetables. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently.
  6. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
  7. Before serving, stir gently and adjust seasoning. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve over lettuce if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 20gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This salad is perfect for picnics and can be customized with additional veggies or seafood options to match your taste.

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