Description

This Creamy Seafood Pasta Salad is a delicious, refreshing dish made with tender pasta, imitation crab meat, shrimp, crunchy celery, sweet bell peppers, and red onions, all tossed in a rich and tangy homemade creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, and fresh herbs. Perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, family gatherings, or an easy make-ahead lunch.

Ingredients

Pasta and Seafood

12 oz elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and chopped
1 cup imitation crab meat, chopped

Vegetables and Herbs

½ cup celery, finely diced
½ red bell pepper, diced
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 green onions, sliced

Creamy Dressing

¾ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Cool the Pasta: Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to cool completely.
Prepare the Shrimp: If using raw shrimp, cook it in boiling water for 2–3 minutes or until opaque and cooked through. Drain, cool, and chop into bite-sized pieces.
Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth.
Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled pasta, shrimp, imitation crab meat, celery, bell pepper, red onion, green onions, and parsley to the dressing bowl.
Toss the Salad: Gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend.
Serve: Before serving, stir the salad and add a little extra mayonnaise or lemon juice if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of paprika.

Notes

Use real crab meat instead of imitation crab for a more luxurious seafood salad.
Small pasta shapes such as shells, macaroni, or rotini work best.
Make sure the seafood and pasta are completely cooled before mixing with the dressing.
Add diced cucumber or sweet corn for extra crunch and flavor.
Adjust the Old Bay seasoning and lemon juice to your taste.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Keep the salad refrigerated until serving, especially when serving outdoors.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad, Pasta Salad, Seafood, Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American