If you’re craving a dish that feels like a seaside vacation in every bite, the Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab Recipe is your new best friend. This vibrant salad combines tender pasta with succulent shrimp and sweet lump crab meat, all tossed in a zesty lemon and garlic dressing that brings a perfect balance of freshness and richness. The addition of crisp veggies and fresh herbs creates a delightful medley of textures and colors that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether for a light lunch, a potluck, or a special occasion, this seafood pasta salad promises to impress and satisfy with ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients, this dish comes together effortlessly. Each item plays its own vital role: the pasta provides a hearty base, the seafood adds luxury and protein, while the veggies and herbs contribute crunch, color, and vibrancy. The homemade dressing ties everything together with a subtle tang and garlicky warmth.
- 8 oz rotini or bowtie pasta: These shapes hold onto the dressing beautifully, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- 1/2 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined: Pre-cooked shrimp save time while providing tender, sweet seafood taste.
- 1/2 lb lump crab meat, picked over for shells: Sweet and delicate, crab meat adds a special touch of indulgence.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Juicy bursts of acidity brighten the salad’s flavor.
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber: Crisp cucumber enhances freshness and adds cooling crunch.
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion: A mild sharpness that complements the creamy textures.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fragrant herbal note and lovely green color.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Serves as the base of a luscious, silky dressing.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Brings bright acidity and a refreshing zing.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle kick and helps emulsify the dressing.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Provides a gentle, savory depth.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab Recipe
Step 1: Cook the pasta perfectly
Start by boiling your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—cooked to just the right firmness to hold up in the salad without becoming mushy. Once ready, drain it, rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down, then drain again thoroughly. This step ensures the pasta is tender but firm and won’t soak up too much dressing later.
Step 2: Whisk up the vibrant dressing
In a large bowl, grab your olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Whisk them together with salt and freshly ground black pepper until everything is emulsified and glossy. This fresh, tangy dressing is the magic that elevates the seafood and pasta, making your salad irresistibly flavorful.
Step 3: Combine seafood and veggies
Add the cooled pasta to your bowl with the dressing, then gently fold in the cooked shrimp and lump crab meat. Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped red onion, and fresh parsley. Give everything a careful but thorough toss so every bite is coated with dressing and loaded with those vibrant ingredients.
Step 4: Chill and let flavors meld
Pop your seafood pasta salad into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to marry beautifully, melding the bright lemon, rich olive oil, and garlic with the sweet seafood and crisp veggies—a perfect time to get other meal prep done or simply relax!
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
You can serve this salad chilled right from the fridge or at room temperature. Both ways have their charm, and this flexibility makes it a fantastic dish for any occasion or season.
How to Serve Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your salad presentation by sprinkling extra chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a bright pop of green. A few lemon wedges served alongside invite guests to add extra citrus if they wish, enhancing that fresh flavor kick.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with crusty garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete, satisfying meal. If you want to keep things light, a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water brightens the palate and complements the seafood.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the seafood pasta salad in individual lettuce cups or hollowed-out tomatoes for an elegant appetizer. Another idea is to layer it in clear glass bowls for a colorful, inviting visual that makes it tempting to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful up to 2 days, thanks to the bright dressing and delicate seafood. Just remember the salad may absorb more dressing over time, so you might want to toss gently before serving again.
Freezing
This seafood pasta salad is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated. Freezing is not recommended because the texture of the seafood and vegetables will suffer and become mushy upon thawing.
Reheating
Since this salad is designed to be served chilled or at room temperature, reheating is unnecessary. If you prefer it less cold, simply let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to take the chill off.
FAQs
Can I use other types of seafood in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute or add other seafood like scallops, lobster, or even smoked salmon. Just make sure they are cooked and prepared properly before mixing them into the salad.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep lunches?
Yes, it’s an excellent option for meal prep. The salad holds up well in the fridge for a couple of days, making it a convenient, flavorful lunch that feels special yet easy to pack.
What pasta shapes work best for this salad?
Rotini and bowtie pasta are ideal because their curves and folds hold onto the dressing well. However, you can also use penne, fusilli, or small shells depending on what you have on hand.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
This recipe is naturally dairy-free, so it’s perfect for those avoiding dairy. The olive oil and lemon dressing provide all the richness and creaminess without any dairy needed.
How can I add more crunch to the salad?
Try adding a handful of toasted pine nuts, sliced almonds, or even crunchy celery for an extra layer of texture. These additions also add wonderful nutty flavors that complement the seafood beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab Recipe is truly a treasure for anyone who loves fresh, vibrant flavors combined with the luxurious taste of seafood. It’s simple to make, easy to customize, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Give this recipe a try—you’ll soon realize how quickly it becomes a go-to favorite for warm-weather meals and special gatherings alike!
Print
Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A refreshing and flavorful Seafood Pasta Salad featuring tender shrimp and lump crab meat, tossed with rotini pasta, fresh vegetables, and a zesty lemon-Dijon dressing. Perfect for light lunches or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Seafood Pasta Salad
- 8 oz rotini or bowtie pasta
- 1/2 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool, then drain again thoroughly.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined to form the dressing.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked and cooled pasta, peeled shrimp, lump crab meat, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped red onion, and fresh parsley into the bowl with the dressing.
- Toss the Salad: Gently toss all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing, being careful not to break up the crab meat.
- Chill to Meld Flavors: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop and meld together.
- Serve: Serve the seafood pasta salad chilled or at room temperature for a delightful and refreshing seafood dish.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked pasta and cool it properly to prevent the salad from becoming mushy.
- You can substitute lump crab meat with imitation crab if desired, although fresh lump crab provides the best flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat if preferred.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the pasta with gluten-free rotini or bowtie pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
