The Ultimate Seafood Pasta Salad

The Ultimate Seafood Pasta Salad A Refreshing and Flavorful Dish for Every Occasion

Ingredients:

For this seafood pasta salad, you’ll need about 8 oz of your preferred pasta. Opt for rotini, penne, or any shape that holds the dressing well. The pasta should be cooked al dente to maintain its texture even after chilling, ensuring it doesn’t become mushy in the salad.

Next, add 1 cup of cooked shrimp. Make sure the shrimp are peeled and deveined for a smooth texture. The shrimp are the stars of the dish, offering a tender, savory bite. Fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen shrimp can be used in a pinch.

Along with the shrimp, you’ll need 1 cup of crab meat. You can use fresh crab meat or even imitation crab if you prefer. This crab meat adds a subtle sweetness and texture that complements the shrimp perfectly.

For a crunchy element, you’ll need 1/2 cup of chopped celery. Celery adds a fresh, crisp bite that balances out the softness of the pasta and seafood. It’s an essential component that adds a layer of texture to the salad.

You’ll also need 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Tomatoes bring a pop of color and juiciness, enhancing the overall flavor of the salad with their natural sweetness.

Additionally, 1/4 cup of diced red onion will contribute a mild, slightly sweet crunch, adding a touch of bite to the salad. If you’re not a fan of raw onions, feel free to substitute with green onions or leave them out entirely.

For the dressing, combine 1/2 cup of mayonnaise with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. This forms the creamy base of the dressing. The lemon juice will add brightness and acidity to balance the richness of the mayo.

You’ll also need 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard to give the dressing a tangy kick. The mustard provides depth and flavor, helping to cut through the richness of the mayonnaise.

Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste to elevate the overall flavor. A pinch of salt will bring out the natural sweetness of the seafood and vegetables, while black pepper adds just the right amount of heat.

For the finishing touch, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill over the salad. Dill adds a fresh, herbal flavor that complements the seafood and lemon beautifully. It’s an essential herb that enhances the salad’s overall freshness.

Lastly, garnish the dish with lemon wedges for serving. The lemon wedges will not only provide an additional burst of citrus flavor but also serve as a decorative touch to your beautiful seafood pasta salad.

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package directions. Be sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will hold up better in the salad once chilled. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the cooked shrimp, crab meat, chopped celery, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced red onion. Gently toss all the ingredients together to evenly distribute the seafood and vegetables throughout the pasta. Be careful not to break up the delicate shrimp and crab meat.
3. Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. This dressing will serve as the flavorful binder that brings all the ingredients together. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary—adding more lemon juice for brightness or more mustard for a tangy kick.
4. Mix & Chill: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and seafood mixture. Add the freshly chopped dill and toss gently to coat everything evenly with the creamy dressing. Make sure all the ingredients are well mixed so every bite is full of flavor. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it chills, the better the salad tastes!
5. Serve & Enjoy!: When ready to serve, garnish the seafood pasta salad with fresh lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus. The cold salad is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it as a light main course or a delicious side dish at your next gathering.

Pro Tips:

• Cook pasta al dente: Ensuring the pasta is cooked al dente will keep it firm and prevent it from becoming soggy once combined with the dressing.
• Fresh seafood is best: While fresh shrimp and crab meat offer the best flavor and texture, frozen or canned options can be used in a pinch if needed.
• Adjust seasonings: Feel free to play with the dressing’s flavor—add extra lemon juice for more brightness or more Dijon mustard for a tangy kick! If you like a bit of spice, a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper can also give the salad a nice zing.
• Make it ahead of time: This salad is perfect for making ahead. In fact, letting it chill for several hours or overnight allows the flavors to meld and develop even more.

This Ultimate Seafood Pasta Salad is the ideal dish for any occasion. From its tender shrimp and crab to the crunchy vegetables and creamy dressing, every bite is a flavor-packed experience. Whether you serve it for a special gathering or enjoy it as a meal on a hot summer day, this salad is sure to become a favorite. How will you personalize it to suit your taste—will you add extra dill, or maybe a dash more lemon? The choice is yours!