Breezy Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe: Ocean-Fresh Summer Delight

The summer heat calls for a delectable seafood pasta salad that promises to cool down and delight your taste buds.

Seafood lovers understand how a zesty pasta salad can turn an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Succulent shrimp and tender chunks of crab mingle with al dente pasta, creating a vibrant dish bursting with oceanic flavors.

Crisp vegetables add a delightful crunch and freshness to every bite.

A light, tangy dressing brings all the ingredients together in perfect harmony.

Each forkful offers a refreshing blend of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.

You’ll want to savor every delicious moment of this crowd-pleasing summer recipe.

FAQs

• What type of seafood works best in this pasta salad?

Shrimp and imitation crab meat are the most popular choices. These seafood options provide great flavor and texture, and they’re easy to find in most grocery stores.

• Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish actually tastes better when prepared in advance. You can make it up to 24 hours before serving, which allows the flavors to blend and develop more fully.

• Is this recipe suitable for a potluck or summer gathering?

Yes, it’s perfect for outdoor events. The cold salad is refreshing, easy to transport, and can sit out for a few hours without spoiling quickly, making it ideal for picnics and gatherings.

• How can I add more protein to the salad?

Consider adding cooked and chilled chunks of lobster, additional shrimp, or even flaked white fish like halibut or cod to increase the protein content and variety of seafood.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 6

Seafood Pasta Ingredient Rundown

• Pasta: Choose a short pasta shape like rotini or shells that captures dressing and holds salad together easily.

• Shrimp: Select fresh, medium-sized shrimp with firm texture and bright color for best flavor.
• Crab Meat: Use high-quality lump or imitation crab meat for tender, delicate seafood taste.

• Celery: Provides refreshing crunch and subtle earthy undertones to balance seafood.
• Bell Pepper: Adds sweet, vibrant color and nutritional boost to the salad.
• Red Onion: Delivers sharp, zesty flavor that complements seafood's richness.

• Parsley: Brings bright, clean flavor and green color to enhance overall dish presentation.

• Mayonnaise: Creates smooth, rich base for binding salad ingredients.
• Sour Cream: Adds tangy depth and lighter texture to dressing.
• Lemon Juice: Provides bright acidity to balance creamy elements.

• Old Bay Seasoning: Delivers classic seafood spice profile with warm, complex notes.
• Dijon Mustard: Introduces subtle heat and depth to dressing.
• Garlic Powder: Offers mild, aromatic flavor without raw garlic intensity.
• Salt: Enhances and balances overall flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle warmth and subtle spiciness to dressing.

Kitchen Essentials for Seafood Pasta Salads

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta and cooking shrimp perfectly.
• Colander: Critical for draining pasta and rinsing under cold water.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Perfect for whisking together the creamy dressing.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Needed for combining all salad ingredients and tossing gently.
• Whisk: Great for blending dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting Board: Useful for chopping vegetables and herbs.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable and herb preparation.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Helpful for accurate ingredient measurements.

Mix Cold Pasta Salad That Tastes Like Summer

• Boil Pasta to Perfection

Toss pasta into a pot of rolling boiling water, cooking until it’s tender but still has a slight bite. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process, letting it cool completely.

• Prepare Ocean Treasures

If your seafood is raw, quickly poach shrimp in bubbling water until they turn a beautiful pink and look totally translucent. Allow them to cool down before joining the salad party.

• Whip Up Creamy Dressing

In a mixing bowl, blend tangy mayonnaise, silky sour cream, zippy lemon juice, sharp Dijon mustard, zesty Old Bay seasoning, aromatic garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust flavors to make your taste buds dance.

• Create Flavor Symphony

Combine your cooled pasta, succulent seafood, crisp veggies, and fresh herbs in a large bowl. Drizzle the creamy dressing over everything and gently toss until all ingredients are beautifully coated.

• Chill and Delight

Cover your masterpiece and let it hang out in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Thisal resting time allows all the flavors to mingle and get to know each other. Serve ice-cold and enjoy your ocean-inspired feast.

Tips to Keep Seafood Fresh in Pasta

• Prepare this salad a day in advance to let the flavors intensify and develop a richer taste profile.
• Replace shrimp and crab with imitation crab, cooked salmon, or even canned tuna for a budget-friendly alternative.
• Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles to make this recipe celiac-friendly without compromising flavor.
• Add hard-boiled eggs, grilled chicken, or extra seafood to increase protein content and make the dish more filling.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like dill, chives, or basil to create unique flavor variations and add a bright, fresh element to the salad.

Serve Seafood Pasta with Lemon and Herbs

• Picnic Perfect Platter: Arrange the seafood pasta salad on a large, colorful platter garnished with fresh lemon wedges and sprigs of parsley for an eye-catching presentation.
• Lettuce Wrap Adventure: Serve the chilled salad inside crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb, refreshing alternative that adds a delightful crunch and makes for easy finger food.
• Beachy Brunch Centerpiece: Pair the salad with chilled white wine or a citrusy mocktail, creating a light and refreshing meal perfect for summer gatherings or coastal-themed parties.
• Side Dish Sensation: Use the seafood pasta salad as a vibrant accompaniment to grilled fish, barbecued chicken, or as a standalone light lunch that's packed with flavor and protein.

Keep Pasta Salad Chilled and Flavorful

• Keep the seafood pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Seafood stays safest when chilled and consumed quickly.
• Drain excess liquid before storing to maintain the salad's perfect texture and prevent soggy ingredients.
• Prepare the dressing and chop vegetables separately, storing them in different containers. Mix everything just before serving to keep ingredients crisp and fresh.
• Divide the salad into individual meal-prep containers for quick grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. Enjoy chilled directly from the refrigerator for maximum convenience.

Refreshing Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mediterranean seafood pasta salad blends fresh shrimp, calamari, and mussels with al dente rotini in a zesty lemon-herb dressing. Delicate flavors and textures invite you to savor coastal culinary delights.

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Ingredients

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• ½ lb (225 g) crab meat or imitation crab, chopped
• ½ lb (225 g) cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (rotini, penne, or shells)
• ½ cup (120 g) mayonnaise
• ¼ cup (60 g) sour cream
• ½ cup (75 g) celery, diced
• ½ cup (75 g) red bell pepper, diced
• ¼ cup (35 g) red onion, finely diced
• 2 tbsps lemon juice
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning or paprika
• ¼ cup (30 g) chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water, then spread on a plate to cool completely.
2. Seafood Cooking: Poach shrimp in boiling water until pink and opaque. Remove and cool to room temperature.
3. Dressing Creation: Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Adjust seasonings to taste.
4. Salad Assembly: Combine cooled pasta, shrimp, crab meat, celery, bell pepper, red onion, and parsley in a large mixing bowl. Gently fold dressing into the seafood mixture, ensuring even coating without damaging delicate ingredients.
5. Chilling and Serving: Refrigerate the salad in an airtight container for 30-45 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve thoroughly chilled as a refreshing appetizer or light main course.

Notes

• Prevent Pasta Overcooking: Strictly follow package instructions and test pasta for al dente texture to avoid mushy consistency.
• Seafood Cooling Strategy: Immediately shock shrimp and seafood in ice water after cooking to stop further cooking and maintain tender texture.
• Dressing Balance Technique: Gradually add dressing and taste repeatedly to achieve perfect flavor intensity without overwhelming seafood.
• Refrigeration Timing: Allow salad to marinate for exact 30-45 minutes to maximize flavor absorption without compromising seafood freshness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg