Dinner

Amazing Seafood Pasta Salad with Crab and Shrimp Recipe

Byanna orden April 8, 2026April 8, 2026

Introduction

This amazing seafood pasta salad combines tender crab meat, succulent shrimp, and fresh vegetables in a light, zesty dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or a crowd-pleasing side, it’s easy to prepare and full of vibrant flavors.

The image shows a close-up of a white plate filled with a colorful pasta salad made with spiral rotini pasta. The salad has several layers: the pasta forms the base layer with a light cream sauce that coats it. On top, there are slices of bright orange and yellow cherry tomatoes, thin slices of red onion, chunks of light green cucumber, and pieces of pale orange cooked shrimp. The dish is sprinkled evenly with chopped green parsley for a fresh, vibrant look. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz pasta (such as rotini or penne)
1 cup cooked crab meat
1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup red onion, diced
1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup cucumber, diced
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it completely.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with crab meat, shrimp, cherry tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, and cucumber.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 4: Pour the dressing over the pasta and seafood mixture, gently tossing to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Step 5: Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Step 6: Just before serving, garnish with fresh parsley for added color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

For extra zest, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing option.
Use smoked paprika or Old Bay seasoning for a different flavor dimension.
Feel free to swap the crab and shrimp for other cooked seafood like scallops or lobster.
Adding diced avocado just before serving adds a creamy texture that complements the salad well.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best taste and texture, consume within this timeframe. When reheating, it is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature; avoid microwaving as it can affect the seafood texture.

How to Serve

A close-up of a white plate filled with a colorful pasta salad made of spiral pasta twisted in creamy dressing, layered with bright orange mandarin slices, halved red cherry tomatoes, light green chopped cucumbers, and thin rings of purple onion, all topped with chopped fresh green parsley, sitting on a white marbled textured surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use raw seafood instead of cooked crab and shrimp?

It is recommended to use cooked seafood for this recipe to ensure safety and to avoid overcooking during preparation. If using raw seafood, make sure to cook it thoroughly beforehand.

What pasta shapes work best for seafood pasta salad?

Short, sturdy pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or fusilli work best because they hold the dressing well and mix easily with chunky ingredients.

anna orden