This Easy Seafood Pasta Salad is a tasty mix of pasta, fresh seafood, and colorful veggies. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for sunny days!
You can whip it up in no time, making it a great option for picnics or family gatherings. I love adding a squeeze of lemon for that extra zing—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Bowtie pasta is a fun choice for this salad, but you could easily swap it for fusilli, rotini, or any pasta you have at home. Just remember to cook it al dente for the best texture!
Shrimp: I like using pre-cooked shrimp for convenience. If you have fresh shrimp, just cook and cool them before adding. You can also use other seafood like diced scallops or even canned tuna if seafood isn’t available.
Imitation Crab: This adds a nice seafood flavor, but it’s fine to leave it out or replace it with more shrimp or canned tuna if allergies are a concern.
Vegetables: Celery and red bell pepper add crunch and color, but feel free to customize! Chopped cucumbers or peas also work well.
Dressing: Mayonnaise is the base here, but Greek yogurt can be a healthier alternative. Adding a bit of sour cream can also give a nice tang!
How Can I Make Sure My Pasta Salad is Well-Mixed?
Mixing your seafood pasta salad well ensures every bite has flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- First, make sure the pasta is cooled completely after rinsing. Warm pasta can make the dressing oily.
- Add the dressing to the bowl before the other ingredients. This lets you control how much dressing you use.
- Gently fold in the pasta and other ingredients. Avoid stirring too hard to keep the pasta intact.
- Allow it to chill in the refrigerator for an hour. This helps flavors blend.
Stir once more before serving and adjust seasoning as needed for a perfect dish!
Easy Seafood Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1/2 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup imitation crab meat, chopped
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/3 cup finely diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (scallions)
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty seafood pasta salad will take about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 1 hour to chill in the fridge for the best flavor. So, in total, aim for around 1 hour and 15 minutes before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by cooking the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions. You’ll want to cook it until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop further cooking. Make sure to drain it well after rinsing!
2. Make the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Old Bay seasoning if you’re using it. Add a pinch of salt and some freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mixing it well now helps flavor the entire salad!
3. Combine the Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the fun stuff! To your dressing, add the cooled pasta, cooked shrimp, chopped imitation crab meat, finely chopped celery, diced red bell pepper, and green onions. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Chill and Meld the Flavors:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it into the refrigerator. Allow the salad to chill for at least 1 hour. This gives the flavors a chance to blend, making every bite delicious!
5. Final Touches:
Before you serve, give your salad a gentle stir to mix everything again. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you like, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and extra flavor.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the seafood pasta salad chilled and enjoy this refreshing dish that’s perfect for any gathering or a sunny day!
FAQ for Easy Seafood Pasta Salad
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie (farfalle) pasta is great, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as fusilli, rotini, or even penne. Just remember to cook it al dente for the best texture in the salad.
What If I Don’t Like Seafood?
No problem! You can substitute the seafood for other proteins. Cooked chicken or even chickpeas can work well, and it will still be delicious. Just be sure to adjust the seasonings to your taste.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, this salad is perfect for making in advance! It can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead of serving. Just keep it refrigerated, and give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the flavors.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover seafood pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It should be good for up to 3 days. Just note that the pasta might absorb some of the dressing over time, so you might want to add a little extra mayo or dressing when you re-serve it.
