Seafood Pasta Salad

This Seafood Pasta Salad is a real crowd-pleaser. Its colorful mix of ingredients and delicious, tangy dressing will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Loaded with succulent shrimp, juicy crab meat, crisp veggies, and a creamy, flavorful dressing, this dish promises to wow at any gathering.

Seafood Pasta Salad recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe Highlights

  • Tasty
  • Easy to Make
  • Great for Groups
  • Make-Ahead
  • Versatile

Ingredient Notes

Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.

Ingredients needed to make a Seafood Pasta Salad.

PASTA – I used fusilli pasta (a family favorite), but you can also use other short types of short pasta, such as elbow macaroni, rotini, or farfalle.

LUMP CRAB MEAT – This adds a sweet, delicate flavor and texture that’s a key part of the seafood theme.

COOKED SHRIMP – You can buy fresh or frozen shrimp. I chose frozen cooked large shrimp from Trader Joe’s. They are already peeled, deveined, and have the tail removed. I pop them in the fridge to slowly defrost them overnight.

TIP – If you are using uncooked frozen shrimp with the tail-on, check out our SHRIMP SALAD recipe for tips on how to cook them perfectly.

FROZEN PEAS – Peas add a pop of sweetness and color, making the salad more tasty and appealing.

RED BELL PEPPER – It gives the salad a sweet, slightly tangy flavor and a crunchy texture.

CELERY – Celery provides a nice crunch and a refreshing, slightly earthy flavor.

SWEET ONION – Onions add a bit of sharpness and crunch that balances out the creamy elements of the salad.

MAYONNAISE – This forms the base of the dressing, giving the salad a rich, creamy, and tangy flavor.

SOUR CREAM – It adds a touch of tangy creaminess to the dressing, enhancing its flavor.

DIJON MUSTARD – The mustard gives the dressing a spicy kick that brings depth to the salad’s flavor.

FRESH DILL – Dill brings a fresh, slightly tangy flavor that complements the seafood nicely.

FRESH LEMON JUICE – Lemon juice adds acidity to the salad, brightening the flavors and balancing the richness of the mayo and seafood.

OLD BAY SEASONING – This classic seafood seasoning adds a warm, zesty flavor, making the seafood taste even better.

Variations

AVOCADO – Adding diced avocado can give the salad a creamy texture and a boost of healthy fats.

CUCUMBER – Chopped cucumber would add a crisp, refreshing crunch and help balance out the rich seafood flavors.

BACON – A little bit of cooked, crumbled bacon can add a smoky flavor and a crunchy texture.

LOBSTER – Adding chunks of cooked lobster will make the salad even more luxurious and enhance the seafood flavor.

IMITATION CRAB MEAT – This great, budget-friendly alternative still delivers a similar flavor to real crab meat. It’s also easier to find in many grocery stores.

German Cucumber Salad served in a white bowl.

GERMAN CUCUCMBER SALAD
Incredibly refreshing and made with 4 simple ingredients.

How To Make A Seafood Salad With Pasta

Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.

Collage: assembling the salad and making the dressing.
Collage: Adding the dressing and tossing the salad.
  1. Cook pasta, rinse, drain, and cool.
  2. Mix pasta with crab, shrimp, and veggies in a big bowl.
  3. Whisk together the dressing ingredients in another bowl.
  4. Coat pasta mix with dressing, refrigerate, then stir and serve.
A serving spoon filled with Seafood Pasta Salad.

Leftovers and Storage

STORE – Leftover Seafood Pasta Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

FREEZE – I don’t recommend freezing this salad. The mayonnaise-based dressing and the cooked pasta do not freeze well, and the texture of the seafood can become rubbery when thawed.

Serving Ideas

PICNICS AND BARBECUES – This salad is a wonderful accompaniment to grilled meats or vegetables.

POTLUCKS – It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to transport and can be made ahead, making it perfect for potlucks.

LUNCH – Pack individual servings for a satisfying lunch on the go.

BREAD – Serve it alongside crusty homemade bread or garlic bread for a complete meal.

WINE – This pasta salad pairs well with a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé.

Topdown view of a large bowl the Seafood Pasta Salad.

More Easy Pasta Salad Recipes

TUNA PASTA SALAD – A protein-packed salad with hearty tuna and fresh veggies.

BACON RANCH PASTA SALAD – Enjoy crispy bacon and creamy Ranch flavors in this hearty salad.

AMISH MACARONI SALAD – A sweet and tangy comfort food classic.

DILL PICKLE PASTA SALAD – A refreshing, tangy salad with crunchy dill pickles.

ITALIAN PASTA SALAD – A colorful salad with a tangy vinaigrette.

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Seafood Pasta Salad

Author: Maike Corbett
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time: 20 minutes
Serving Size 8
This Seafood Pasta Salad is a delightful mix of pasta, crab meat, shrimp, vegetables, and a creamy dressing, chilled to perfection for a crowd-pleasing dish.
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Ingredients

DRESSING

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Then rinse under cold water, drain, and let it cool.
  • In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crab meat, shrimp, peas, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, and celery.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, dill, lemon juice, and Old Bay seasoning until smooth.
  • Pour the dressing over the pasta and seafood mixture. Stir everything together until it's well-coated.
  • Cover the salad and place it in the fridge for at least 1 hour so all the flavors can mix and blend together. Before serving, give the salad a good stir and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Notes

I couldn’t find the link to the Crab Meat. But most average supermarkets will have it. I used Chicken of the Sea Premium Crab Meat.  

Nutritional Information

Calories: 530
Carbs: 49g
Fat: 24g
Protein: 27g

Nutritional Disclaimer

Cheerful Cook team members are not trained nutritionists or medical professionals. Calorie information and nutritional values are estimates. If you have nutritional concerns, we recommend using a nutritional calculator.

Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.

4.67 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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