Name: The BEST Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces of pasta (such as rotini or penne); 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 cup crab meat; 1/2 cup chopped celery; 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup diced red onion; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill; Lemon wedges for serving

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If you’re looking for a dish that effortlessly balances elegance and comfort, you have to try The BEST Seafood Pasta Salad! Creamy, tangy, and studded with tender shrimp and sweet crab, this vibrant salad is a celebration of ocean-fresh flavors tossed with colorful veggies and perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you’re preparing for a summer picnic, a festive potluck, or just a weekday lunch that feels a little bit fancy, The BEST Seafood Pasta Salad somehow always steals the spotlight.

The BEST Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the biggest joys of making The BEST Seafood Pasta Salad is how simple these ingredients are, yet how much personality each one brings. From the zesty lift of lemon juice to the crisp bite of fresh veggies, every addition is there for a reason—working together to create maximum flavor and irresistible texture.

8 ounces of pasta (rotini or penne): Short pasta captures the dressing and seafood perfectly, making every bite hearty and satisfying.
1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined: Sweet, tender shrimp add a luxe flavor and succulent texture.
1 cup crab meat: The gentle sweetness of crab transforms this salad into a true seafood lover’s dream.
1/2 cup chopped celery: Celery brings crunch and a fresh, green contrast that brightens the dish.
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Their juicy, tangy pop adds color and lightness to every forkful.
1/4 cup diced red onion: Adds boldness and a punch of flavor that cuts through the creaminess.
1/2 cup mayonnaise: The base for the dressing, it binds everything together with a creamy, luscious texture.
2 tablespoons lemon juice: This gives the salad refreshing brightness and a touch of acidity.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Just the right hint of tangy warmth and depth—essential for balance.
Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t be shy—these staple seasonings bring out all the vibrant flavors.
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill: Fresh dill infuses the salad with a herby, slightly grassy note that’s just perfect with seafood.
Lemon wedges for serving: A final squeeze of lemon adds zing and personality when you serve it up.

How to Make The BEST Seafood Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook & Cool the Pasta

Start by boiling your pasta according to the package directions. You’ll want it al dente—neither too soft nor too firm—so it holds up well under all the creamy dressing and seafood goodness. Once cooked, immediately drain and run the pasta under cold water. This stops the cooking process and ensures each pasta piece is cool and ready to absorb maximum flavor.

Step 2: Mix the Seafood and Veggies

Grab your biggest mixing bowl and toss in the cooled pasta, shrimp, crab meat, celery, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Gently fold these together with a spatula or big spoon. The variety of colors and textures coming together is always a little bit magical—you might already be sneaking a taste at this point!

Step 3: Whisk the Creamy Dressing

In a separate, smaller bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, a generous pinch of salt, and plenty of freshly cracked black pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy. The tangy lemon and velvety mayo come together with the mustard to make a dressing you might want to eat with a spoon.

Step 4: Bring Salad Together

Pour your dreamy dressing evenly over the pasta and seafood mixture. Toss everything together gently so the dressing coats all the nooks and crannies. This is the moment to sprinkle in the fresh dill, letting that ocean-kissed aroma fill your kitchen. The mixture should look vibrant and lush, ready for a quick chill.

Step 5: Chill & Serve

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This little pause lets the flavors meld and soak into every bite. When you’re ready to serve, give it one last toss and add lemon wedges to the side—the final flourish that makes The BEST Seafood Pasta Salad truly spectacular.

How to Serve The BEST Seafood Pasta Salad

Garnishes

The finishing touches really matter here! Try a generous shower of extra chopped dill, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, and a few well-placed lemon wedges for brightness. If you want to go all out, a few extra whole shrimp or a sprinkle of paprika will make your serving platter pop.

Side Dishes

The BEST Seafood Pasta Salad is super versatile, pairing beautifully with a range of side dishes. It’s delicious alongside crusty garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or even a bowl of soup. If you’re feeding a crowd, some chilled white wine or iced tea rounds out the meal in style.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling the salad onto a big platter lined with lettuce leaves, or serve it in individual glass jars for a portable party snack. For a festive gathering, scoop portions into small lettuce cups or hollowed-out tomatoes—guaranteed to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover The BEST Seafood Pasta Salad keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Just make sure it’s tightly covered to keep everything fresh, and give it a quick stir before serving to reincorporate the dressing.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended, as the creamy dressing and tender seafood don’t thaw very gracefully. The texture can change, and the flavors won’t be as bright. For best results, make and enjoy your salad fresh—or refrigerate short-term leftovers only.

Reheating

No need for reheating—The BEST Seafood Pasta Salad is meant to be enjoyed chilled, straight from the fridge. If you like, let it sit out for about 10 minutes before serving to take the chill off and brighten the flavors even more.

FAQs

Can I use different types of seafood?

Absolutely! While shrimp and crab are classic, you can also use lobster, scallops, or even cooked firm fish like salmon. Just stick with delicate seafood that pairs well with creamy, tangy flavors for the best results.

Is there a lighter version of this salad?

You can lighten things up by substituting half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt or using a light mayo. It’ll be a bit tangier and less rich, but still every bit as satisfying!

How far ahead can I make The BEST Seafood Pasta Salad?

This salad is actually even better when made several hours in advance—the flavors get a chance to mingle and deepen. Just wait to add garnishes until right before serving so everything stays crisp and fresh.

What type of pasta works best?

Short-shaped pastas like rotini, penne, or shells are best; they hold up well in the creamy dressing and help trap bits of seafood and veggies for perfect bites every time.

Can I add more veggies?

Definitely! Chopped bell peppers, diced cucumber, or even peas make great add-ins for extra crunch and color. Feel free to riff and make The BEST Seafood Pasta Salad your own.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a seafood lover or just in search of a refreshing, crowd-pleasing dish, give The BEST Seafood Pasta Salad a try. It’s creamy, vibrant, and full of coastal flavor—exactly the kind of recipe you’ll want to come back to again and again. Your tastebuds (and your friends) will thank you!

The BEST Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 6 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Seafood Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side at a summer BBQ. Packed with shrimp, crab meat, and fresh veggies, all tossed in a zesty dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
Mix Seafood and Veggies: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shrimp, crab meat, celery, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Toss gently to mix.
Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Toss Everything Together: Pour the dressing over the pasta and seafood mixture, then add the chopped dill. Toss everything until well coated.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled with lemon wedges on the side.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American