The Freshest Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe for Summer Joy

Mediterranean seas inspire this vibrant seafood pasta salad that combines fresh ingredients with zesty Mediterranean flavors.

Crisp vegetables and tender seafood create a perfect summer lunch companion.

Delicate shells cradle succulent shrimp and tender calamari in a light, herbal dressing.

Herbs from local markets add authentic brightness to each delightful bite.

Quick preparation means you can assemble this dish in less than thirty minutes.

Colorful ingredients promise a refreshing meal that feels both elegant and relaxed.

Dive into this recipe for a taste of coastal cuisine that will transport you straight to sunny shorelines.

Why Seafood Pasta Salad Is a Refreshing Summer Dish

• Quick and Simple Preparation: Craft this seafood pasta salad with minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for beginner cooks who want a delicious meal without complex techniques.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy as a refreshing side dish or a light main course, ideal for picnics, potlucks, or casual gatherings with friends and family.
• Flavor-Packed Chilled Delight: Let the ingredients marinate overnight, creating a rich, blended taste that gets better with time and delivers a satisfying seafood experience.
• No-Fuss Crowd-Pleaser: Combine affordable ingredients like baby shrimp and imitation crabmeat to create a budget-friendly dish that impresses everyone at the table.

Ingredients Needed for Seafood Pasta Salad

• Egg Noodles: A soft, tender pasta that serves as the base for this refreshing seafood salad.

• Baby Shrimp, Imitation Crabmeat: These seafood ingredients add protein and a delightful ocean flavor to the salad.

• Green Onions, Celery, Green Pepper: These crisp vegetables provide crunch, freshness, and a subtle vegetable undertone to the dish.

• Mayonnaise, Creamy French Dressing: These ingredients create a smooth, tangy sauce that coats and binds the salad components.

• Old Bay Seasoning, Parsley Flakes, Salt: These seasonings enhance the seafood flavor and add depth to the overall taste profile of the salad.

How to Make Seafood Pasta Salad Perfectly

Step 1: Boil Noodle Perfection

Cook egg noodles following package guidelines. Drain completely and let cool to room temperature.

Ensure noodles are not warm when mixing with other ingredients.

Step 2: Create Seafood Symphony

• Cooled egg noodles
• Chopped green onions
• Diced celery
• Sliced green peppers
• Baby shrimp
• Imitation crabmeat

Gently toss ingredients until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Whisk Creamy Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Creamy French dressing

Whisk until mixture becomes smooth and well incorporated.

Step 4: Dress the Salad

Pour the creamy dressing over the noodle and seafood mixture.

Stir carefully to ensure every morsel gets coated with the delectable sauce.

Step 5: Enhance Flavor Profile

• Old Bay seasoning
• Dried parsley flakes
• Salt

Mix thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.

Step 6: Chill and Marinate

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and intensify.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from refrigerator. Give a final gentle stir.

Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light main course. Perfect for summer gatherings or quick meals.

Tips to Enhance Seafood Pasta Salad Flavor

• Opt for fresh noodles to enhance the overall texture and taste of the seafood pasta salad.
• Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier version that still maintains creamy consistency.
• Boost flavor by adding chopped dill or fresh herbs like basil for an extra aromatic touch.
• Enhance protein content by incorporating additional seafood like crab chunks or diced cooked salmon.
• Extend shelf life by storing the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor preservation.

Variations on Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe

• Gluten-Free Sea Delight: Replace egg noodles with gluten-free rice noodles or chickpea pasta for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the original flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Seafood Remix: Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, add diced cucumber, kalamata olives, and replace French dressing with olive oil and lemon juice for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.
• Protein Power Boost: Include grilled salmon chunks instead of imitation crabmeat, add quinoa for extra protein, and incorporate diced avocado for healthy fats and creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Ocean Plate: Substitute noodles with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, and maintain the seafood and seasoning components for a lighter, low-carbohydrate option.

What Pairs Well with Seafood Pasta Salad

• Elevate Seafood Pasta Salad Pairings
• Crisp White Wine Selection: Pair with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the seafood's delicate flavors and cut through the creamy dressing.
• Fresh Summer Sides: Serve alongside grilled corn on the cob or a light cucumber tomato salad to balance the rich, creamy pasta and add refreshing vegetable crunch.
• Zesty Citrus Kick: Garnish with fresh lemon wedges or sprinkle with lime zest to brighten the dish's flavor profile and enhance the seafood's natural sweetness.
• Rustic Bread Companion: Add crusty sourdough or garlic bread on the side to soak up the creamy dressing and provide a satisfying textural contrast to the cold pasta salad.

Proper Storage for Seafood Pasta Salad

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent moisture and maintain freshness.

Avoid freezing this salad as mayonnaise-based dressings separate and become watery when thawed, compromising texture and taste.

Consume cold directly from the refrigerator for best flavor. If needed, let the salad sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften and blend flavors.

Stir gently before serving and add a small splash of fresh dressing if the salad seems dry after refrigeration to revive its creamy consistency.

FAQs

• What seafood is used in this pasta salad?

The salad contains baby shrimp and imitation crabmeat, providing a mix of seafood flavors and textures.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this pasta salad actually tastes better when chilled for several hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to blend and develop.

• Is Old Bay seasoning necessary for the recipe?

Old Bay seasoning adds a signature seafood flavor, but you can substitute with a similar seafood or cajun seasoning if needed.

• How long will this seafood pasta salad stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the salad will remain fresh for 3-4 days after preparation.

Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent seafood pasta salad brings Mediterranean coastal flavors straight to your kitchen with a refreshing blend of tender shrimp, delicate crab, and zesty herbs. Crisp vegetables and a light vinaigrette create a perfect summer dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Seafood and Pasta:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) egg noodles
• 1 (16-ounce) (454 grams) package imitation crabmeat, cut into small pieces
• 1 (4-ounce) (113 grams) package baby shrimp, chopped (precooked)

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1/3 cup (53 grams) celery, chopped
• 1/3 cup (53 grams) green pepper, chopped
• 2 tablespoons parsley flakes

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup creamy French dressing
• 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
• 1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning
• Salt, to taste

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Instructions

1. Boil the egg noodles in salted water for 6-8 minutes until al dente, following package guidelines. Drain and rinse with cold water to halt cooking process, then set aside to cool completely.
2. Finely dice green onions, celery, and green pepper into uniform small pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the salad.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, gently combine the cooled noodles with chopped vegetables, baby shrimp, and imitation crabmeat. Toss ingredients delicately to prevent breaking seafood pieces.
4. Create a creamy dressing by whisking mayonnaise and French dressing until smooth and well-integrated, eliminating any lumps.
5. Drizzle prepared dressing over the noodle and seafood mixture, using folding motions to coat every ingredient evenly without crushing delicate components.
6. Sprinkle Old Bay seasoning, parsley flakes, and a pinch of salt across the salad. Gently fold to distribute seasonings throughout the dish.
7. Seal the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for minimum 2-3 hours, preferably overnight, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
8. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and check seasoning. Serve chilled as a refreshing appetizer or light summer meal.

Notes

• Optimize noodle texture by cooking al dente to prevent mushiness and maintain a pleasant bite in the pasta salad.
• Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or light sour cream for a healthier, lower-calorie dressing option that still provides creamy richness.
• Enhance protein variety by adding cooked crab meat, diced shrimp, or flaked salmon to increase seafood complexity and nutritional value.
• Boost freshness by incorporating chopped fresh herbs like dill or chives instead of dried parsley to elevate the overall flavor profile and add vibrant color.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 920 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg