Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe

As I stared into the abyss of my fridge, an idea emerged, like a savory revelation: a seafood pasta salad that would make any coastal town proud.

I love blending the freshness of the sea with comforting pasta in my Seafood Pasta Salad. The succulent combination of shrimp, crab meat, and bay scallops brings a wonderful richness, paired with crisp diced celery and red bell pepper for a refreshing crunch.

I think the creamy touch of mayonnaise with lemon juice and a hint of Old Bay seasoning ties the dish together beautifully, offering a nutritious yet indulgent meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe Ingredients

• Pasta: A great source of carbohydrates, providing energy for your day.
• Shrimp: High in protein, low in calories, rich in selenium.
• Crab Meat: Lean protein, excellent source of zinc and vitamin B12.
• Bay Scallops: Sweet flavor, rich in magnesium and healthy fats.
• Celery: Low-calorie, provides fiber, and supports digestion.
• Red Bell Pepper: High in vitamin C, adds a burst of sweetness.
• Red Onion: Adds flavor depth, contains antioxidants and vitamin C.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy base, adds richness, choose light for fewer calories.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, citrusy tang, rich in vitamin C.

Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 8 oz (225g) rotini pasta, cooked and cooled
• 1 cup (150g) cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup (150g) cooked crab meat
• 1 cup (150g) cooked bay scallops
• 1/2 cup (75g) diced celery
• 1/2 cup (75g) chopped red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup (35g) chopped red onion
• 1 cup (240ml) mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

How to Make this Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled rotini pasta, shrimp, crab meat, and bay scallops.

2. Add the diced celery, chopped red bell pepper, and chopped red onion to the bowl with the seafood mixture.

3. In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and Old Bay seasoning until well combined.

4. Pour the dressing over the pasta and seafood mixture in the large bowl.

5. Gently toss all ingredients together until the pasta and seafood are evenly coated with the dressing.

6. Season the pasta salad with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring flavors are balanced.

7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

8. Before serving, give the salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing.

9. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top of the salad for a fresh, vibrant finish.

10. Serve chilled, and enjoy as a delicious main or side dish.

Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Smaller mixing bowl
3. Whisk
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Large spoon or spatula
8. Plastic wrap or lid for covering the bowl

FAQ

• What is the best type of pasta for this salad? Rotini pasta is recommended because its spiral shape holds onto the dressing well, but you can use any pasta of your choice.
• Can I use canned crab meat for this recipe? Yes, canned crab meat can be used, but be sure to drain it well before adding it to the salad.
• How should I cool the pasta after cooking? After cooking the pasta, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and help it cool quickly.
• Is it possible to make this salad in advance? Yes, you can prepare this salad a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and give it a stir before serving.
• What can I substitute for fresh parsley? You can use dried parsley, but use half the amount as dried herbs are more potent.
• How long can leftovers be stored? Leftover seafood pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• What can I add for extra flavor? Consider adding capers or olives for a briny flavor, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.

Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• For rotini pasta, you can substitute with penne or fusilli pasta.
• Instead of cooked shrimp, try using cooked diced chicken or firm tofu.
• For crab meat, you can substitute with imitation crab or cooked lobster.
• If bay scallops are unavailable, you can use sea scallops or additional shrimp.
• Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a mayonnaise/yogurt mixture for a lighter option.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance the Seafood Flavor For a deeper seafood flavor, consider adding a splash of seafood stock or the juice from the cooked shrimp to the dressing. This will help bind the flavors together and intensify the taste.

2. Texture Boost Toast some pine nuts or slivered almonds and add them right before serving for a crunchy texture contrast. This adds a delightful nutty flavor that complements the creamy dressing.

3. Herb Infusion While fresh parsley is great, consider mixing in some fresh dill or tarragon for a more aromatic and flavorful kick. These herbs complement seafood beautifully.

4. Chill Time Allow the salad to chill for at least an hour or more if possible. The extra time in the fridge will enhance the melding of flavors, making the salad taste even better.

5. Zesty Upgrade For an extra zing, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dressing. The zest will add a bright, fresh citrus aroma that ties all the ingredients together wonderfully.