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Seafood Pasta Salad

Deliciously Refreshing Seafood Pasta Salad for Summer Fun

This Seafood Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings and picnics, combining shrimp, imitation crab, and fresh veggies.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Small pasta variety (e.g., shells or elbow macaroni) Try whole wheat for a healthier option.
For the Seafood
  • 1 lb Fresh shrimp Chop cooked shrimp into bite-sized pieces if using pre-cooked.
  • 8 oz Imitation crab Can substitute with real crab or lobster.
For the Vegetables
  • 2 stalks Celery Can be swapped for chopped cucumbers.
  • 1 large Red bell pepper Use yellow or orange for a variation.
  • 1 small Red onion Green onions can be used for a milder option.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
  • 1/2 cup Sour cream
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp Lemon juice Fresh is preferable to bottled.
  • 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning Cajun seasoning can be used for a spicy twist.
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • Cutting board
  • mixing bowl
  • serving bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot, bring 4-5 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the small pasta variety and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add fresh shrimp and sauté for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. If using pre-cooked shrimp, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Dice celery, red bell pepper, and red onion into small pieces. Mix in a large bowl and chop parsley for garnish.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  5. In the bowl with diced vegetables, add cooled pasta, shrimp, and imitation crab. Drizzle the dressing over and gently toss everything together.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld. Chill longer for better flavor integration.
  7. Before serving, stir gently, garnish with parsley, and serve on lettuce or in individual bowls.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 20gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 520mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Rinse pasta thoroughly after boiling to keep the salad cool and fresh. Customize seafood and vegetables based on your preference.

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