Crab Pasta Salad

This Crab Pasta Salad is a creamy, tangy dish filled with imitation crab, crisp veggies, and a flavorful herby dressing. It’s the perfect side dish for potlucks, picnics, or a light summer meal that’s both refreshing and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crab Pasta Salad is packed with vibrant flavors, thanks to the zesty lemon dressing and the mix of fresh dill, Old Bay seasoning, and crunchy veggies. The imitation crab meat gives it a sweet, seafood flavor, while the creamy mayonnaise dressing ties everything together beautifully. It’s simple to make, comes together quickly, and is the perfect crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces of any preferred pasta

• 1 ¼ cups mayonnaise

• 2 ½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 ½ teaspoons Old Bay seasoning

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped)

• ⅓ cup dill pickles (finely chopped)

• 12 ounces imitation crab meat (chopped or flaked)

• 1 cup celery (diced)

• ½ cup red onion (finely chopped)

• ⅓ cup green onions (thinly sliced)

• 1 cup frozen peas (thawed)

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

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water. Set aside to cool completely.

2. Prepare the Dressing:

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the fresh dill and chopped dill pickles until well combined.

3. Combine the Salad:

In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta. Then, add the imitation crab meat, celery, red onion, green onions, and thawed peas to the pasta.

4. Toss and Chill:

Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss to combine, making sure everything is evenly coated.

5. Refrigerate:

Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.

6. Serve:

Before serving, stir the salad to redistribute any dressing that may have settled. Serve cold and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover Crab Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Since it’s served cold, there’s no need to reheat.

FAQs

Can I use real crab meat instead of imitation crab?

Yes, you can use real crab meat instead of imitation crab if you prefer. It will add a more natural seafood flavor to the salad.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, this salad is best when made ahead of time. Letting it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight helps the flavors blend together and enhances the taste.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes!  you can use other types of pasta such as rotini, elbow macaroni, or bowtie pasta.

How can I make this salad lighter?

To make this salad lighter, you can use Greek yogurt or light mayonnaise instead of regular mayonnaise. You can also reduce the amount of dressing if you prefer a lighter coating.

Can I add more veggies to this salad?

Definitely! You can add more vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or carrots for added crunch and color. Just make sure to chop them small so they blend well with the other ingredients.

Can I make this salad dairy-free?

Yes, you can make it dairy-free by substituting the mayonnaise with a dairy-free alternative like vegan mayo.

Conclusion

This Crab Pasta Salad is a light, refreshing, and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With the combination of creamy dressing, sweet crab, and crisp veggies, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Simple, quick, and full of flavor—this recipe will become a go-to favorite for picnics, barbecues, and more!

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