The BEST Seafood Pasta Salad
A light, refreshing, and flavorful pasta salad filled with succulent shrimp, crab meat, and a creamy, tangy dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or a light meal.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of pasta (such as rotini or penne)
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup crab meat
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- Lemon wedges for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down. - Prepare the Seafood and Veggies:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shrimp, crab meat, chopped celery, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced red onion. Toss gently to mix. - Make the Dressing:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. - Combine the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the pasta and seafood mixture. Add the chopped dill and toss everything together until well coated. - Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled with lemon wedges on the side.
Tips for Success
- Be sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente to hold up well in the salad.
- Use fresh seafood for the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, canned or frozen options work too.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more lemon juice for extra tang or dill for added freshness.
Nutrition Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (includes chilling)
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
