If you are craving a dish that’s as vibrant in color as it is in flavor, look no further than the Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab Recipe. This delightful salad brings together tender shrimp, sweet crab meat, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked pasta all tossed in a zesty lemon-Dijon dressing. It’s the ideal dish for warm days, potlucks, or whenever you want to impress with minimal fuss and maximum taste. Every bite offers a symphony of textures and flavors that make this seafood pasta salad a true favorite for seafood lovers and salad fans alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in creating a balance of flavors, colors, and textures. From the juicy cherry tomatoes adding freshness to the mustard in the dressing giving a subtle tang, these components come together to make your salad irresistibly delicious.
- 8 oz rotini or bowtie pasta: Choose a sturdy pasta shape that holds the dressing and mix-ins beautifully.
- 1/2 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined: Provides sweet, tender seafood flavor that forms the heart of this dish.
- 1/2 lb lump crab meat, picked over for shells: Adds luxurious texture and delicate crab sweetness.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Bursts of juicy sweetness and vibrant color brighten every forkful.
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber: Offers crisp, refreshing crunch that balances the richness of seafood.
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion: Sharpness to contrast with milder ingredients, enhancing depth.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Brings a fresh, herbaceous note and beautiful green color accents.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Forms the flavorful, silky base of the dressing to tie it all together.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Provides bright acidity that lifts and freshens the entire salad.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds subtle pungency and helps emulsify the dressing.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Delivers a gentle bite that rounds out the dressing’s flavor profile.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors.
How to Make Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your rotini or bowtie pasta according to the package directions, aiming for an al dente texture. This ensures the pasta holds up well when tossed and provides a pleasant, slightly firm bite. After draining, rinse the pasta under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down quickly — a crucial step for any pasta salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to create a bright, tangy dressing. This simple blend is where your salad’s vibrant flavor starts to build, balancing richness with zesty brightness.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Now add the cooled pasta to the dressing bowl, followed by your shrimp, crab meat, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red onion, and chopped parsley. Each ingredient brings unique flavors and textures — from the sweetness of the seafood to the crunch of fresh veggies.
Step 4: Gently Toss to Coat
Use a large spoon or spatula to carefully toss everything together without breaking up the delicate crab meat. The goal is to evenly coat each ingredient with the dressing while preserving the distinct textures for the best eating experience.
Step 5: Let the Flavors Marry
Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This resting time is essential because it allows all those wonderful flavors to meld, the pasta to absorb some dressing, and the salad to become refreshing and cohesive.
Step 6: Serve
This Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab Recipe tastes amazing when served chilled or at room temperature — making it perfect for casual lunches, picnics, or even as an elegant starter at dinner parties.
How to Serve Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, extra cracked black pepper, or thin lemon slices can elevate the presentation and add element of freshness. A few sprigs of dill or a dash of paprika also complement the seafood beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair this salad with crusty bread, garlic baguette slices, or a light green salad for a complete meal. It also works wonderfully alongside grilled vegetables or a chilled cucumber soup for a refreshing summer spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, serve the salad in mini glass jars or hollowed-out tomatoes. You can also create individual salad cups using endive leaves for a fun appetizer twist that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover seafood pasta salad in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, but the texture is best enjoyed sooner rather than later to keep the pasta from becoming soggy.
Freezing
Because of the fresh vegetables and seafood, freezing this salad is not recommended. The texture of crab, shrimp, and fresh veggies can deteriorate significantly after freezing and thawing.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature. If desired, take it out of the fridge 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to come through, but avoid reheating as it can toughen the seafood and wilt the vegetables.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this salad?
Absolutely! While rotini and bowtie pasta hold dressing well and create great texture, penne, fusilli, or farfalle also work beautifully in this recipe.
Is it okay to use canned crab meat instead of fresh?
Yes, canned crab can be used in a pinch, but fresh lump crab meat offers a superior sweet flavor and delicate texture that really shines in this salad.
Can I substitute shrimp with another seafood?
Certainly! Baby scallops or chunks of cooked lobster would be fabulous alternatives and give the salad a luxurious twist.
How long should I marinate the salad before serving?
At least 30 minutes in the refrigerator is ideal to let the flavors blend well. If you prepare it ahead of time, don’t exceed 2 hours to keep the freshness intact.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as is, since it uses regular pasta. But substituting gluten-free pasta makes this dish suitable for gluten-intolerant diners without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the steps and tips for crafting the perfect Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab Recipe, it’s time to gather your ingredients and create this stunning, flavorful dish. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or simply treating yourself, it’s a refreshing and satisfying meal that feels like a celebration in every bite. Enjoy the vibrant freshness and delicious harmony of seafood and pasta in this true crowd-pleaser!
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Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This refreshing Seafood Pasta Salad combines tender rotini pasta with succulent shrimp and lump crab meat, enhanced by a vibrant dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Tossed with fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley, it makes a perfect light lunch or a flavorful side dish ready in just 25 minutes plus chilling time.
Ingredients
Pasta and Seafood
- 8 oz rotini or bowtie pasta
- 1/2 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb lump crab meat, picked over for shells
Vegetables and Herbs
- 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 the rotini or bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly, rinse under cold running water to stop cooking and cool the pasta, then drain again to remove excess water.
- Prepare the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Combine salad ingredients: Add the cooked and cooled pasta, shrimp, lump crab meat, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped red onion, and fresh parsley to the bowl with the dressing.
- Toss to coat: Gently toss all the ingredients together to evenly distribute the dressing and combine the flavors without breaking up the seafood.
- Chill the salad: Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
- Serve: Serve the seafood pasta salad chilled or at room temperature as a light meal or side dish.
Notes
- Make sure to pick over the crab meat carefully to remove any shell pieces for the best eating experience.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead and stored tightly covered in the refrigerator.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of white wine vinegar to the dressing.
- Use fresh seafood whenever possible for optimal taste and texture.
