Crab Pasta Salad Recipe
Crab Pasta Salad Recipe
Table of Contents
Crab Pasta Salad Recipe
Dive into the perfect blend of fresh crab, tender pasta, and zesty dressing in this irresistible crab pasta salad recipe. Ideal for summer barbecues, potlucks, or a light, satisfying dinner, this dish is a crowd pleaser that combines savory seafood flavors with a creamy, tangy dressing.
Description
Looking for a refreshing and delicious meal. This crab pasta salad recipe is a flavorful masterpiece perfect for any occasion. Packed with succulent crab meat, al dente pasta, crisp vegetables, and a creamy yet tangy dressing, this dish delivers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
Whether you’re hosting a summer get together or planning a quick weeknight dinner, this dish fits seamlessly into your menu. Its versatility and simplicity make it easy to prepare, while the vibrant colors and fresh ingredients ensure it’s a showstopper on the table. Not only does this salad bring coastal vibes to your plate, but it’s also packed with nutrients like protein, fiber, and vitamins.
From the choice of pasta to the type of dressing, every component of this recipe can be customized to suit your preferences. Feel free to mix and match vegetables, substitute crab with imitation crab or other seafood, and play around with different spices to create your version of this classic dish.
Looking for a delicious and easy crab pasta salad recipe. This refreshing dish combines tender pasta, sweet crab meat, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, tangy dressing for the perfect summer meal or side dish. Packed with flavor and simple to make, this crab pasta salad recipe is ideal for picnics, potlucks, or family dinners. Ready in minutes, it’s a crowd pleaser that brings fresh seafood flavor to your table.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta of choice)
- 1 lb fresh crab meat (or imitation crab)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1.Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
2.Prepare the Crab: If using fresh crab, ensure it is cleaned, and remove any shells. For imitation crab, cut into bite sized pieces.
3.Chop the Vegetables: Dice the cucumber, celery, and bell pepper into small pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes and finely chop the red onion.
4.Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
5.Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crab, and chopped vegetables. Add the dressing and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
6.Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Pasta Selection: Opt for rotini, bowtie, or penne pasta as they hold the dressing well.
- Crab Alternatives: Fresh lump crab meat works best, but imitation crab is a budget friendly substitute.
- Make Ahead: This salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld over time.
- Add Ons: Include other seafood like shrimp or scallops for added flavor.
Crab Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- Salad Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta or any short pasta of choice
- 1 lb fresh crab meat or imitation crab
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber diced
- 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
- 1/2 cup celery diced
- 1/4 cup green bell pepper diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1.Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
- 2.Prepare the Crab: If using fresh crab, ensure it is cleaned, and remove any shells. For imitation crab, cut into bite sized pieces.
- 3.Chop the Vegetables: Dice the cucumber, celery, and bell pepper into small pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes and finely chop the red onion.
- 4.Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- 5.Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crab, and chopped vegetables. Add the dressing and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- 6.Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Pasta Selection: Opt for rotini, bowtie, or penne pasta as they hold the dressing well.
- Crab Alternatives: Fresh lump crab meat works best, but imitation crab is a budget friendly substitute.
- Make Ahead: This salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld over time.
- Add Ons: Include other seafood like shrimp or scallops for added flavor.
