Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish combines the sweet flavors of seafood with crisp celery and juicy cherry tomatoes, all brought together by a tangy and creamy dressing. It’s quick to prepare, served cold or at room temperature, and makes a great light lunch or side dish for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 8 oz rotini, penne, or preferred pasta
• 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup crab meat
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shrimp, crab meat, chopped celery, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
5. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
6. Serve cold or at room temperature, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Servings and Timing

Serves: 4
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add diced avocado for creaminess and extra flavor.
• Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.
• Incorporate chopped fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives.
• Add a pinch of Old Bay seasoning for a classic seafood flavor boost.
• Toss in some sliced cucumber or bell peppers for additional crunch.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This pasta salad is best served cold and should not be reheated.

FAQs

Can I use fresh shrimp and crab?

Yes, just cook and cool the seafood before adding to the pasta.

What pasta works best?

Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells hold the dressing well.

Can I prepare this dish ahead?

Yes, make it a few hours in advance to enhance the flavors.

How long can I store the salad?

Up to 2 days in the refrigerator for best freshness.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, mayonnaise is dairy-free, but check labels to be sure.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise?

Greek yogurt or a dairy-free mayo alternative works well.

Can I add spices?

Yes, black pepper, paprika, or a dash of cayenne add extra flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.

Can I use canned crab meat?

Yes, canned crab meat works fine and is convenient.

How do I keep the pasta from sticking?

Rinse pasta with cold water after cooking and toss with a little oil if desired.

Conclusion

Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab is a refreshing, creamy dish that’s easy to prepare and bursting with bright flavors. Perfect for summer lunches or potlucks, it’s a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit your taste and impress your guests.

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