Crab Pasta Salad is a refreshing blend of al dente mini shells and tender flakes of crab, tossed in a zesty lemon-dill mayo dressing spiced with Old Bay and garlic. Crisp celery, sweet peas, and tangy pickles add crunchy bursts, while red and green onions lend a bright pop of flavor. Chilled to perfection, this easy-to-make dish transforms any summer gathering into a seaside escape. Stirred and served straight from the fridge, every forkful feels like sunshine on your plate. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or lazy backyard lunches, it’s a delightful, fuss-free crowd-pleaser. With just a handful of simple ingredients, it’s ready in under 30 minutes—no chef’s hat required!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Crab Pasta Salad
- Perfectly creamy and zesty dressing that elevates every bite.
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it a go-to summer dish.
- Loaded with fresh ingredients for a delightful crunch.
- Versatile and great for picnics, potlucks, or a light dinner.
- Imitation crab meat offers a delicious seafood flavor without the fuss.
Crab Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the small shell pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Follow the package directions for timing. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. Set it aside to cool completely.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the fresh dill and finely chopped dill pickles until everything is well combined.
- In a large bowl, place the cooled pasta. Add the chopped imitation crab meat, diced celery, finely chopped red onion, thinly sliced green onions, and thawed peas to the pasta.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently mix everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap. Refrigerate the salad for at least 1-2 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute any dressing that may have settled. Serve cold and enjoy your delicious Crab Pasta Salad!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Protein | 15g |
| Carbs | 30g |
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to whip up this delightful Crab Pasta Salad!
- 12 oz small shell pasta – a perfect shape to hold the creamy dressing
- 1¼ cups mayonnaise – adds creaminess and richness
- 2½ tbsp fresh lemon juice – for a zesty flavor boost
- 1 tsp garlic powder – brings in a savory note
- 1½ tsp Old Bay seasoning – gives that classic seafood blend
- ½ tsp salt – enhances the overall flavor
- ¼ tsp black pepper – adds a hint of spice
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped – for a fresh herbaceous taste
- ⅓ cup dill pickles, finely chopped – adds tang and crunch
- 12 oz imitation crab meat, chopped or flaked – the star ingredient!
- 1 cup celery, diced – for a fresh crunch
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped – adds a nice bite
- ⅓ cup green onions, thinly sliced – for a mild onion flavor and color
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed – sweet pops of color
How to Make Crab Pasta Salad
This delightful Crab Pasta Salad is perfect for summer gatherings! With a preparation time of 15 minutes, a cooking time of 10 minutes, and a chilling time of 1-2 hours, you’ll have a refreshing dish ready to impress your guests.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook the small shell pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Follow the package directions for timing. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. Set it aside to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the fresh dill and finely chopped dill pickles until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, place the cooled pasta. Add the chopped imitation crab meat, diced celery, finely chopped red onion, thinly sliced green onions, and thawed peas to the pasta.
Step 4: Mix the Salad
Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently mix everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 5: Chill the Salad
Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap. Refrigerate the salad for at least 1-2 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute any dressing that may have settled. Serve cold and enjoy your delicious Crab Pasta Salad!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Salad |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Extra Time | 120 minutes (Chilling) |
| Total Time | 145 minutes |
| Dietary | Seafood |
| Serves | 6 |
| Best Served | Cold |
Pro Tips for Making Crab Pasta Salad
- Opt for whole wheat pasta for added nutrition.
- Chill the salad overnight for enhanced flavor.
- Experiment with different herbs like parsley or chives.
- For a crunch, add toasted nuts or seeds.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preference.
How to Serve this Crab Pasta Salad
- Serve chilled in a large bowl for family-style dining.
- Portion into individual cups for a fun picnic treat.
- Garnish with extra dill or lemon wedges for a fresh touch.
- Pair with crusty bread or a light green salad for a complete meal.
- Enjoy as a filling side dish at barbecues or potlucks.
- Mix in avocado slices for a creamy twist.
- Top with crispy bacon bits for added crunch (use turkey bacon as a substitute).
Make Ahead and Storage
You can prepare and store Crab Pasta Salad easily:
Storing Crab Pasta Salad Leftovers
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Keep the salad covered to maintain freshness.
Freezing Crab Pasta Salad
- Place the salad in a freezer-safe container.
- Leave some space for expansion as it freezes.
- Use within 1-2 months for best quality.
Reheating Crab Pasta Salad
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Gently mix before serving to redistribute dressing.
- Serve cold; do not reheat in the microwave.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. Can I use real crab meat instead of imitation crab?
Absolutely! If you prefer real crab meat, feel free to substitute it for the imitation crab. Just make sure to adjust the quantity to your taste, as real crab can have a stronger flavor. This will elevate your Crab Pasta Salad to a whole new level of deliciousness!
2. How can I make this salad healthier?
You can make this Crab Pasta Salad healthier by using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter dressing. Additionally, you can add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to increase the nutritional value without compromising on flavor. Enjoy your healthy twist!
3. Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead of time! In fact, letting it chill in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing. Perfect for potlucks or picnics!
4. What can I serve with Crab Pasta Salad?
Crab Pasta Salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes! You can serve it alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a fresh garden salad. It also makes a great side dish for barbecues or summer gatherings. Enjoy your meal!
Final Thoughts
Crab Pasta Salad is a delightful dish that brings back memories of sunny picnics and family gatherings. It’s so easy to whip up, and the flavors meld beautifully after chilling. Whether you’re serving it at a barbecue or enjoying it as a light lunch, this salad is sure to impress. Dive in and savor every bite!