Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Versatile & Delicious: Great for casual weeknights or special events.
Seafood Variety: Includes shrimp, crab meat, and easily customizable with other seafood.
Comforting Pasta Base: Al dente pasta holds the dressing beautifully.
Zesty Dressing: A creamy lemon-Dijon sauce that ties all the flavors together.
Easy Prep: Simple steps that come together quickly for a crowd-pleaser.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

Large pot
Colander
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Large spoon
Cutting board
Knife

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 ounces pasta (rotini, penne, or fusilli recommended)
1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup crab meat
½ cup chopped celery
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup diced red onion
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
Lemon wedges, for serving

Directions

Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta, shrimp, crab meat, celery, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Toss gently to mix.
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Pour dressing over the pasta and seafood mixture, add chopped dill, and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
Serve chilled with lemon wedges on the side.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Seafood Swap: Add scallops, lobster, or canned tuna for different seafood options.
Veggie Boost: Mix in cucumber, bell pepper, or avocado for added crunch and creaminess.
Light Dressing: Substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Herb Variations: Use parsley or basil instead of dill for a fresh twist.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to the dressing for heat.

Storage/Reheating

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Best served chilled and does not require reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, it can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated. Stir well before serving.

What pasta works best?

Short pastas like rotini, penne, or fusilli hold the dressing well and are easy to eat.

Can I use frozen seafood?

Yes, thaw and drain well before adding to the salad.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely, feel free to add your favorite fresh veggies.

How long will it keep?

Stored properly, it lasts about 2 days refrigerated.

Can I make this vegan?

Substitute seafood with plant-based alternatives and use vegan mayo.

Can I omit mayonnaise?

Try Greek yogurt or a vinaigrette for a different dressing.

How do I prevent the salad from getting soggy?

Drain pasta well and toss the salad just before serving.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double the ingredients and use a larger bowl.

Conclusion

The BEST Seafood Pasta Salad is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that seafood lovers will adore. Perfectly balanced with fresh seafood, pasta, and a zesty dressing, it’s a recipe to keep on hand for quick meals or entertaining. Give it a try and share your experience!

The BEST Seafood Pasta Salad

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The BEST Seafood Pasta Salad combines fresh seafood with perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a zesty lemon-Dijon dressing, making a refreshing, flavorful dish ideal for summer picnics or light meals.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
In a large bowl, combine pasta, shrimp, crab meat, celery, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Toss gently.
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Pour dressing over pasta mixture, add chopped dill, and toss to coat evenly.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
Serve chilled with lemon wedges.