Description

This Creamy Seafood Pasta Salad is a refreshing, flavorful dish featuring tender elbow macaroni tossed with cooked shrimp, imitation crab meat, crisp celery, sweet bell peppers, and red onions. Coated in a rich, tangy homemade dressing made from mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh lemon juice, and a blend of spices including Old Bay seasoning, this salad is perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, and casual family gatherings. It can be prepared ahead of time and served chilled for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal or side dish.

Ingredients

Seafood & Pasta

12 oz elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and chopped
1 cup imitation crab meat, chopped

Vegetables & Herbs

½ cup celery, finely diced
½ red bell pepper, diced
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 green onions, sliced

Creamy Dressing

¾ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to cool completely.
Prepare the shrimp: If using raw shrimp, cook it in boiling water for 2–3 minutes or until opaque and cooked through. Drain, cool, and chop into bite-sized pieces.
Make the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and well blended.
Combine ingredients: Add the cooled pasta, chopped shrimp, imitation crab meat, diced celery, bell pepper, red onion, sliced green onions, and chopped parsley to the dressing.
Toss the salad: Gently toss all ingredients until they are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
Chill the salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Final adjustments and serving: Before serving, stir the salad again and add a little extra mayonnaise or lemon juice if desired to adjust creaminess and tanginess. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and a sprinkle of paprika.

Notes

Use real crab meat instead of imitation crab for a more luxurious seafood salad experience.
Small pasta shapes such as shells, macaroni, or rotini work best as they hold the dressing well.
Ensure both the seafood and pasta are completely cooled before mixing with the dressing to prevent it from becoming watery.
Add diced cucumber or sweet corn for extra crunch and flavor variations.
Adjust the Old Bay seasoning and lemon juice according to your personal taste preferences.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
Keep the salad refrigerated until serving, especially when serving outdoors to ensure food safety.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad, Pasta Salad, Seafood, Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American