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Classic Creamy Crab and Shrimp Pasta Salad

Close-up of creamy seafood salad recipe with crab, shrimp, and fusilli pasta, garnished with parsley.
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A simple, comforting recipe for a cold seafood pasta salad featuring crab, shrimp, and a creamy dressing, perfect for potlucks or summer meals.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound small pasta shapes (like rotini or shells)
  • 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 8 ounces imitation crab meat, flaked or chopped
  • 1 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse immediately with cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked shrimp, and flaked crab meat.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dried dill weed, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth.
  4. Add the chopped celery and red onion to the seafood and pasta mixture.
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently fold everything together until the pasta and seafood are evenly coated. Do not overmix.
  6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the seafood pasta salad for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to blend.
  7. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For the best texture, make sure the pasta is completely cold before mixing with the dressing.
  • If you prefer a lighter dressing, substitute half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
  • This make ahead seafood salad tastes best when chilled for several hours.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbycarla.com/seafood-salad-recipe-with-crab-shrimp-and-pasta/