Crab Pasta Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Crab Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for summer picnics or light lunches. Combining tender pasta with savory crab and a zesty dill dressing, it’s both easy to prepare and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces small shell pasta
- 1¼ cups mayonnaise
- 2½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1½ teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- ⅓ cup dill pickles, finely chopped
- 1 cup celery, diced
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ⅓ cup green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 12 ounces imitation crab meat, chopped or flaked
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool completely.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir in chopped dill and pickles.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, imitation crab meat, celery, red onion, green onions, and thawed peas.
- Step 4: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Step 5: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
- Step 6: Before serving, stir gently to redistribute the dressing.
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon just before serving to brighten the flavors.
- Swap imitation crab with real lump crab meat for a more authentic taste.
- Include chopped bell peppers or cucumbers for added crunch and color.
Storage
Store the crab pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving. It’s best enjoyed cold, so there’s no need to reheat.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this salad?
Yes, small shapes like rotini, macaroni, or bowtie pasta work well as they hold the dressing and mix-ins nicely.
Is this salad suitable for freezing?
It’s not recommended to freeze this salad because the mayonnaise-based dressing and vegetables can separate or become watery upon thawing.
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Crab Pasta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A refreshing and flavorful Crab Pasta Salad featuring tender pasta shells, imitation crab meat, and a zesty Old Bay seasoned mayonnaise dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a picnic side dish, this salad combines crisp vegetables and fresh herbs for a balanced and delightful meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces small shell pasta
Dressing
- 1¼ cups mayonnaise
- 2½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1½ teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped)
- ⅓ cup dill pickles (finely chopped)
Salad Mixture
- 1 cup celery (diced)
- ½ cup red onion (finely chopped)
- ⅓ cup green onions (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup frozen peas (thawed)
- 12 ounces imitation crab meat (chopped or flaked)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the small shell pasta. Cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Stir in the chopped fresh dill and finely chopped dill pickles to infuse the dressing with herbaceous and tangy flavors.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta. Mix in the chopped imitation crab meat, diced celery, finely chopped red onion, thinly sliced green onions, and thawed frozen peas to create a colorful, textured base for the salad.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the prepared mayonnaise dressing over the pasta and crab mixture. Gently fold the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors in every bite.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, let it chill overnight, which enhances the taste and texture.
- Serve: Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing and fresh ingredients. Serve chilled as a delightful summer main dish or side.
Notes
- Use real crab meat if desired for an elevated flavor, though imitation crab works well and is more budget-friendly.
- Adjust the Old Bay seasoning to taste if you prefer a spicier or milder salad.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta shells.
- This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; avoid longer storage to preserve freshness of the seafood and vegetables.
- Try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving for an extra bright finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Crab pasta salad, seafood pasta salad, summer salad, Old Bay seasoning salad, easy crab salad, picnic recipes
