Seafood Pasta Salad brings filling pasta together with light seafood, for the perfect summer dish that’s quick and easy to prepare, and a surefire hit for any event or gathering. This creamy pasta salad recipe was adapted from a dish that one of my friends makes, except hers is more pasta-centered, whereas I wanted this to be perfectly balanced with veggies, seafood, and pasta. After a few tries and increasing the veggies and sauce, this version got rave reviews from my taste testers! I like to enjoy the leftovers (if there are any) as a super filling and tasty lunch over the following couple of days whenever I make this! My seafood salad recipe is the perfect side dish for get togethers. Enjoy it at a family dinner, picnic, potluck, or backyard BBQ for Memorial Day, July 4th, or Labor Day! If you’re looking for some more easy pasta salad recipes, check out my Greek Pasta Salad, Italian Pasta Salad, BLT Pasta Salad, Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad, and The Best Macaroni Salad!
Why We Love This Recipe
Its versatility makes it the perfect side dish for a hot summer day or a main course for a light lunch. Pasta salads are a great way to introduce a variety of vegetables to your diet, adding and customizing to your preference. With just a few simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can whip up a dish that’s sure to become a staple at your dining table during the summer months.
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Pasta Shells – The backbone of the salad. Feel free to use other short pasta shapes like bow-tie pasta or elbow macaroni for variety. Imitation or Real Crab Meat – Adds a sweet, seafood flavor to the dish. You can use either real lump crab meat for a more luxurious touch or imitation crabmeat for a budget-friendly option. Frozen Cooked Shrimp – Brings a delicate, briny flavor that complements the crab meat. Frozen Peas – Introduces a pop of sweetness and a vibrant green color. Finely Chopped Celery – Adds a crunch and a slight peppery flavor. Mayonnaise – The base of the creamy dressing that binds the salad together. Sour Cream – Contributes to the creamy texture of the dressing and adds a tangy flavor. White Vinegar – Provides an acidity that balances the richness of the mayonnaise and sour cream. Granulated Sugar – Just a touch is needed to slightly sweeten the dressing. Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
How to Make Shrimp Pasta Salad
Tips for Success
Be sure to cook pasta al dente according to package instructions. This keeps the pasta firm and prevents it from becoming mushy when mixed with the dressing and other ingredients. After cooking, rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process immediately. This not only cools it down quickly but also helps to keep the pasta firm. Frozen shrimp tend to retain a lot of water, so make sure to drain them well, maybe even pat them dry also. Mixing the dressing separately is necessary for the success of this recipe. Take the extra minute and whisk separately for a super smooth dressing. When preparing the dressing, taste as you go and adjust the dressing ingredients to your liking. The right balance of acidity, sweetness, and creaminess is key. For a tangier dressing, increase the vinegar. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a bit more sugar. For a healthier option, reduce the amount of mayonnaise or use a low-fat version. You can adjust the amount of seafood and veggies as desired. This recipe is very forgiving! I like to use medium shells for the pasta in the recipe as they give a little bit of a beachy vibe, but you can use whatever pasta shape you prefer. Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving helps the flavors to meld together and intensifies the taste. Before serving, consider garnishing your salad with fresh herbs, a sprinkle of paprika, or lemon wedges for added color and flavor. This enhances the visual appeal and adds a fresh touch.
Substitutions and Variations
For a fresher alternative, consider using raw shrimp that you’ve cooked and cooled yourself. You can customize the seafood ingredients used, such as adding cooked lobster or scallops. For those who prefer a non-seafood version, cooked chicken breast or ham can be great substitutes. Greek or natural yogurt is a good substitute for sour cream if you’re looking for a healthier option. For a dairy-free option, use dairy-free mayonnaise and omit the sour cream or substitute with a dairy-free yogurt. Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar could be used instead of white vinegar for a slightly different tang with some sweetness. For even more tangy, briny flavor, you could add 1-2 Tablespoons of capers to this salad. The beauty of a salad is that any fresh vegetables can go into it according to your personal preference, so add other flavors that you like – such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, green onions, red onion, bell peppers like green pepper or red pepper, sliced olives, or even slices of hard-boiled eggs. For seasoning variations that work well with seafood, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of celery salt and paprika, or if you enjoy Old Bay Seasoning then add a dash or two to the mixture. An easy garnish is to sprinkle some fresh herbs like dill, cilantro, parsley, or chives over the top of the bowl or onto each portion.
More Delicious Salad Recipes
Zucchini Salad Caprese Salad Doritos Taco Salad Peach Panzanella Salad Grilled Corn Salad Chinese Chicken Salad Creamy Grape Salad Curried Chicken Salad
The cool, creamy texture of the seafood pasta salad complements the smoky flavors of grilled meats perfectly, like grilled chicken, steak, or fish. And for a lighter meal, serve the seafood pasta salad alongside sandwiches or wraps. This can be a great way to turn a simple lunch into a more substantial and satisfying meal, and it’s one that you can easily take to work with you. For a burst of freshness, serve a platter of fresh, crunchy vegetables with a dip alongside the seafood pasta salad, or a sweet and tangy fruit salad can also give a delightful contrast. These options add color and variety to your table, making the meal more appealing and balanced. Seafood pasta salad is also an excellent choice for picnics and potlucks as it is easy to transport, can be served cold, and is a crowd-pleaser! Pair it with other picnic favorites like cold fried chicken, sandwiches, and a selection of cheeses and crackers.
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