Seafood Pasta Salad

Introduction

Recently, I made this Seafood Pasta Salad for a family gathering, and I can confidently say it was a hit! Everyone loved the refreshing, creamy combination of flavors, and it was a breeze to prepare. The tri-color pasta adds a fun visual element, while the imitation crabmeat and celery bring a nice texture and bite to the salad. The creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, vinegar, and milk ties everything together perfectly. My family enjoyed it as a side dish, but I found it so satisfying that I happily served it as a light main course as well. It’s one of those dishes that just gets better as it sits in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep or potlucks.

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Why You’ll Love This Seafood Pasta Salad

1. Quick and Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is ready in no time, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
2. Perfect for Warm Weather: This salad is a great choice for picnics, barbecues, or any event where you want something light, refreshing, and cold.
3. Customizable: You can easily tweak this recipe to your liking, adding more veggies, proteins, or even different seasonings.
4. Great Make-Ahead Option: This pasta salad actually tastes even better after it’s chilled for a few hours, so it’s a great make-ahead dish for parties or family meals.
5. Versatile: This dish works perfectly as a side salad or as a light main course for lunch or dinner. It also pairs well with grilled meats or seafood.

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Ingredients

To make this flavorful and creamy seafood pasta salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 ½ (8 ounce) packages tri-color pasta – The colorful pasta adds both texture and visual appeal to the dish.
• 3 stalks celery – Chopped to provide a refreshing crunch.
• 1 pound imitation crabmeat – A mild and easy-to-use seafood option that pairs well with the creamy dressing.
• 1 cup frozen green peas – Adds color and sweetness to the salad.
• 1 cup mayonnaise – For a creamy base in the dressing.
• 1 ½ tablespoons white sugar – Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the vinegar.
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar – Provides a tangy contrast to the rich mayonnaise.
• 3 tablespoons milk – Helps to thin out the dressing and make it smoother.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor of the salad.
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper – For a little kick of flavor.

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the tri-color pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente. Once the pasta is cooked, rinse it under cold water until it is cool, then drain it well to prevent it from getting soggy.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables and Crabmeat

While the pasta is cooking, chop the celery into small pieces. Then, break the imitation crabmeat into small, bite-sized chunks. Run hot water over the frozen peas to defrost them quickly.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, white sugar, vinegar, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-combined. This creamy dressing will coat the pasta and veggies, giving the salad its signature flavor.

Step 4: Combine All Ingredients

Once the pasta has cooled, add it to the mixing bowl with the dressing. Then, add the chopped celery, crabmeat, and peas. Stir everything gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, sugar, or mayonnaise to suit your preferences. Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for several hours before serving. The flavors will meld together beautifully, making it even more delicious!

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Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
Macronutrients per serving (approximate):

• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 6g

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on portion size and specific ingredients used.

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Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Chill Time: 2-3 hours
• Total Time: 2.5-3 hours

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How to Serve

Seafood pasta salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:

• As a Side Dish: Serve it as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled chicken, seafood, or barbecue dishes.
• As a Light Main Course: Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this salad can be a satisfying main course on its own.
• At Picnics or Barbecues: It’s a great addition to any outdoor gathering or picnic, thanks to its creamy texture and fresh flavors.
• With a Side of Bread: Pair it with some crusty bread or rolls for a more filling meal.
• In a Sandwich: If you have leftovers, this pasta salad can also be served as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.

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Additional Tips

1. Use Real Crabmeat: If you prefer, you can substitute the imitation crabmeat with real crab for an extra touch of luxury. Just make sure to shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Customize with More Veggies: Add additional vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or onions for extra crunch and flavor.
3. Make It Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, use a vegan mayonnaise and swap the milk with a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk.
4. Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the dressing if you like a little kick in your salad.
5. Use Whole Wheat Pasta: For a healthier twist, try using whole wheat tri-color pasta instead of regular pasta for added fiber.

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FAQ Section

1. Can I use real crab instead of imitation crab?

Yes! You can use real crabmeat for a more authentic taste. Just chop it into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the salad.

2. Can I make this seafood pasta salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, it’s best to chill it for a few hours before serving to let the flavors meld together. You can make it a day in advance for convenience.

3. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute tri-color pasta with any type of pasta you like, such as penne, fusilli, or rotini.

4. Can I make this salad without mayonnaise?

If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, you can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative like vegan mayonnaise for a different flavor profile.

5. How long does seafood pasta salad last in the fridge?

The pasta salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to keep it covered to maintain freshness.

6. Can I add other seafood to this salad?

Yes! You can add cooked shrimp, lobster, or scallops to elevate the seafood flavors in the salad.

7. Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, this recipe is not gluten-free unless you use gluten-free pasta. Be sure to check the ingredients of the pasta if you need it to be gluten-free.

8. Can I freeze seafood pasta salad?

It’s not recommended to freeze seafood pasta salad, as the texture of the pasta and vegetables may be affected when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or after a few days in the fridge.

9. How can I make this salad spicier?

Add a few dashes of hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or chopped jalapeños to give the salad a spicy kick.

10. Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh peas if you prefer. Just blanch them for a couple of minutes before adding them to the salad.

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Conclusion

This Seafood Pasta Salad is the perfect dish for those who want a light, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal. With the combination of creamy dressing, tender pasta, crunchy celery, and mild imitation crab, it’s a delightful dish that works well for casual meals, potlucks, and picnics. The best part? It’s a dish that can be customized to your liking, whether you prefer it with more vegetables, a different type of seafood, or a little extra spice. This seafood pasta salad will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

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