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There is nothing quite like a fresh and flavorful seafood salad to bring brightness and joy to your table, and this Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab Recipe truly delivers that and so much more. Imagine tender rotini noodles mingling effortlessly with sweet shrimp and delicate lump crab meat, all tossed in a zesty lemon-Dijon dressing that ties everything together with a vibrant punch. This dish is a celebration of textures and colors, from juicy cherry tomatoes to crisp cucumbers and fragrant parsley, making it a perfect light lunch, picnic surprise, or elegant appetizer. If you love seafood and crave something both refreshing and satisfying, this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab Recipe is how simple yet thoughtfully chosen the ingredients are. Each item plays a key role in creating layers of flavor, texture, and color, ensuring every bite is a delightful experience.
- 8 oz rotini or bowtie pasta: These shapes hold the dressing beautifully and provide a fun, chewy base.
- 1/2 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined: Adds tender, sweet seafood flavor without extra cooking fuss.
- 1/2 lb lump crab meat, picked over for shells: Offers delicate, flaky richness that elevates the salad.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Bursts of juicy sweetness and a pop of vibrant red color.
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber: Brings refreshing crunch and a cool contrast to the seafood.
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion: Adds a sharp, slightly sweet bite to balance the salad.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Introduces bright, herbaceous notes for freshness.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: The rich base of the dressing that coats everything lightly.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Delivers vibrant acidity to brighten the dish.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Brings subtle heat and depth to the dressing.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Infuses a gentle kick of savory flavor.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient’s natural qualities.
How to Make Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab Recipe
Step 1: Perfectly Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your choice of rotini or bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches that ideal al dente texture — tender but with a slight bite. Once done, drain the pasta and immediately rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process, prevent stickiness, and cool it down for the salad. Drain well again to avoid any sogginess later on.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Lively Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk energetically until the dressing emulsifies into a smooth, tangy coating that will marry perfectly with the seafood and fresh veggies, giving the salad that signature bright and balanced flavor.
Step 3: Combine the Components
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with your freshly made dressing, then fold in the succulent shrimp, carefully picked lump crab meat, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped red onion, and fresh parsley. Use gentle folding motions rather than vigorous stirring to keep the crab meat intact and ensure everything gets evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 4: Chill for Optimal Flavor
Once everything is combined, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, giving the dressing a chance to infuse the seafood and veggies, while the cold temperature makes the salad refreshingly crisp and ready to enjoy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Bring your salad out of the fridge and give it one last gentle toss before serving. This Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab Recipe can be enjoyed chilled for a cool, light dish or at room temperature for a more subtle flavor. Either way, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
How to Serve Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, sprinkle some freshly chopped dill or basil on top just before serving. A few lemon wedges on the side not only look inviting but also offer guests a chance to add a bit more zing if they desire. Toasted pine nuts or slivers of Parmesan cheese can add an unexpected textural contrast that elevates the experience.
Side Dishes
This seafood pasta salad shines perfectly as a standalone dish, but pairing it with crusty garlic bread or a crisp green salad can make your meal feel even more special. Grilled vegetables or a light, citrusy coleslaw also complement the seafood flavors and add a colorful variety to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or picnic, serve the salad in individual clear cups or small bowls to create charming, pre-portioned servings. Alternatively, hollowed-out tomatoes or cucumbers make playful edible bowls that add to the freshness and presentation. Layering the salad in a trifle bowl for a buffet setup not only looks stunning but makes it easy for guests to help themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind, the pasta may absorb more dressing over time, softening its texture slightly, so enjoy it sooner rather than later for peak freshness.
Freezing
Because of the fresh vegetables and delicate seafood, this salad is not well suited for freezing. The texture of the crab and shrimp changes once frozen and reheated, so it’s best to prepare it fresh or store chilled as suggested.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be eaten cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. If you prefer a slightly warmer dish, let it sit out for 15-20 minutes to take the chill off before serving, but avoid microwaving or heating as this will affect the seafood texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of seafood in this recipe?
Absolutely! While shrimp and crab are the stars here, you can swap in cooked scallops, lobster chunks, or even firm white fish to customize the flavor according to your preferences.
Is this salad gluten-free?
The salad itself can be gluten-free if you replace the rotini or bowtie pasta with a gluten-free pasta variety. Otherwise, standard pasta contains gluten.
How far in advance can I make this seafood pasta salad?
This salad is best made a few hours in advance to let the flavors combine, ideally within the same day. Overnight storage is okay, but the pasta texture may soften noticeably.
Can I omit the mustard in the dressing?
You can, but Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang and helps emulsify the dressing. If you leave it out, consider adding a pinch of mustard powder or a dash of vinegar for balance.
What’s the best way to pick crab meat for this recipe?
Gently pull apart the lump crab meat by hand, careful to remove any small shell pieces. Handling it delicately keeps the lumps intact, which adds texture and visual appeal to the salad.
Final Thoughts
Making this Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab Recipe is like inviting a little piece of sunshine to your dining table. With its harmonious mix of flavors, colors, and textures, it’s guaranteed to brighten your day and impress anyone lucky enough to share it. So go ahead, dive in, and enjoy every delightful bite—you might find yourself making this one again and again.
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Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes plus 30 minutes chilling
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A refreshing and flavorful Seafood Pasta Salad featuring tender shrimp, lump crab meat, and a zesty lemon-Dijon dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner, this salad combines al dente pasta with fresh vegetables and herbs for a delightful blend of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz rotini or bowtie pasta
Seafood
- 1/2 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb lump crab meat, picked over for shells
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the rotini or bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down, then drain again thoroughly.
- Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. This will create a bright and tangy dressing to coat the pasta and seafood.
- Combine ingredients: Add the cooled pasta, cooked shrimp, lump crab meat, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped red onion, and fresh parsley to the bowl with the dressing.
- Toss gently: Carefully toss all the ingredients together to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing without breaking up the delicate seafood.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors meld beautifully.
- Serve: Serve the seafood pasta salad chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing meal.
Notes
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead or the day before, allowing flavors to develop even more.
- Use fresh lump crab meat for the best texture and taste, but imitation crab can be substituted if needed.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your preference.
- For extra crunch, consider adding finely chopped celery or bell peppers.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days.
