Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab
Introduction
This Seafood Pasta Salad is creamy, refreshing, and bursting with flavor. Tender shrimp, sweet crab, crisp veggies, and a tangy lemon‑dill dressing come together with rotini pasta for a dish that’s perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or light dinners. It’s easy to make ahead, travels well, and always impresses with its vibrant colors and fresh taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
Perfect for summer: Light, refreshing, and chilled.
Customizable: Use real crab or imitation, add your favorite veggies.
Crowd‑pleaser: Great for gatherings and potlucks.
Ingredients
12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled & deveined
1 cup lump crab meat (or imitation crab)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup celery, finely diced
½ cup red onion, finely diced
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp sour cream
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped
Salt & pepper, to taste
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook Pasta
Boil pasta until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
Step 2: Prep Seafood & Veggies
In a large bowl, combine shrimp, crab, tomatoes, celery, and onion.
Step 3: Make Dressing
Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dill, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Step 4: Combine
Add dressing to seafood and veggies. Stir in pasta. Toss gently until well coated.
Step 5: Chill & Serve
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Garnish with extra dill and lemon before serving.
Cooking Tips
Rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking and keep it firm.
Use fresh dill for the brightest flavor.
Chill thoroughly—flavors meld beautifully after resting.
For lighter dressing, swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt.
Variations
Mediterranean Twist: Add olives, feta, and cucumber.
Spicy Kick: Mix in a dash of hot sauce or cayenne.
Tropical Style: Add diced mango or pineapple for sweetness.
Low‑Carb Option: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles.
Serving Ideas
Serve as a main dish with crusty bread.
Pair with grilled corn or roasted veggies.
Add to picnic baskets for a refreshing outdoor meal.
Present in a large bowl with lemon wedges for a festive look.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes even better after chilling overnight.
Q: Can I use canned crab?
Fresh lump crab is best, but canned or imitation works too.
Q: How long does it keep?
Store in the fridge up to 3 days.
Q: Can I serve it warm?
This recipe is designed to be chilled, but you can enjoy it slightly warm if preferred.
Nutrition (Approx. per serving)
Calories: 320
Protein: 18g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 14g
Final Thoughts
This Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab is the ultimate summer dish—creamy, refreshing, and full of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, packing a picnic, or simply craving something light yet satisfying, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.