Seafood Pasta Salad is a creamy, refreshing mix of tender shrimp, imitation crab, crisp veg and a tangy dressing — perfect for picnics, potlucks or a quick lunch. This make-ahead salad tastes even better chilled and is a real crowd-pleaser.
📑 Table of Contents — Seafood Pasta Salad
Seafood Pasta Salad — Ingredients
Seafood Pasta Salad — Time & Servings
Seafood Pasta Salad — How to Make (Step-by-Step)
Tips for Making & Serving
Seafood Pasta Salad — Frequently Asked Questions
Internal Recipe Suggestions
External Resource
Final Thoughts
Seafood Pasta Salad — Ingredients
8 oz elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta)
½ lb cooked shrimp, peeled and chopped
½ lb imitation crab meat, chopped
½ cup celery, finely chopped
½ cup red bell pepper, diced
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
⏱️ Seafood Pasta Salad — Time & Servings
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 10 minutes |
| Chill Time | 1 hour |
| Total Time | 1 hour 25 minutes |
| Servings | 6–8 |
Seafood Pasta Salad — How to Make (Step-by-Step)
- Cook the pasta
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. - Prepare the seafood
If using raw shrimp, boil or sauté for 2–3 minutes until pink and cooked through. Chop shrimp and imitation crab into bite-sized pieces. - Make the dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning (if using), salt and pepper. - Combine ingredients
Add cooled pasta, shrimp, crab, celery, red bell pepper and red onion to the dressing. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated. - Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld. - Serve
Garnish with chopped parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon if desired. Serve chilled.
Tips for Making & Serving
Seafood Pasta Salad holds well — make it a few hours ahead for best flavor.
Use rotini or shells if you want more nooks for dressing to cling to.
For a lighter version, swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt.
Add crunch with diced cucumber or sweet corn.
If you prefer stronger flavor, fold in chopped dill or chives.
Seafood Pasta Salad — Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes — thaw fully, pat dry, then cook briefly before adding to the salad.
Q: How long does Seafood Pasta Salad keep?
A: Stored in an airtight container, it will keep 2–3 days in the fridge (best eaten within 48 hours).
Q: Is Seafood Pasta Salad OK to make ahead?
A: Absolutely — chilling for at least an hour enhances the flavors. Add a splash of lemon before serving if it needs brightening.
Q: Can I substitute crab?
A: Yes — canned real crab, fresh lump crab or chopped cooked white fish all work well.
Q: Can I make Seafood Pasta Salad gluten-free?
A: Use a gluten-free pasta and check seasonings and imitation crab labels for gluten ingredients.
Seafood Pasta Salad — Internal Recipe Suggestions
If you like this Seafood Pasta Salad, try pairing it with other YummyPlat favorites for a full menu. For a light seafood side, our Delicious Halloumi Couscous Salad adds bright textures and complements the pasta salad’s creaminess. For a warm, savory accompaniment, our Greek Roast Potatoes with Lemon & Feta make a great match on the plate. Both are on YummyPlat and work beautifully with chilled seafood dishes.
External Resource
If you’re curious to explore more about seafood varieties and pasta techniques, these trusted resources are a great place to start:
Guide to Buying and Storing Fresh Seafood – The Spruce Eats
Perfect Pasta Cooking Tips – BBC Good Food
These guides will help you choose the freshest seafood, cook pasta to perfection, and make your salad even more delicious.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
This Seafood Pasta Salad is simple, versatile, and made for warm days and casual gatherings. Try it as a potluck star or a make-ahead lunch — it’s guaranteed to be a hit!
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment below with your tips or any tasty tweaks you made — we love seeing your versions. Share the recipe with friends who love seafood, and thank you for spending time with YummyPlat!