Description
This refreshing Seafood Pasta Salad combines tender rotini pasta with succulent shrimp and fresh crab meat, complemented by crisp celery, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a creamy lemon-Dijon dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a summer gathering, this salad is chilled to meld flavors and served with lemon wedges for a zesty finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Seafood
- 8 ounces rotini, penne, or preferred pasta shape
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled
- 1 cup fresh crab meat, shell-checked
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
Dressing
- 1/2 cup high-quality mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
For Serving
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it thoroughly under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta completely.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the cooled pasta with the cooked shrimp, fresh crab meat, finely chopped celery, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced red onion.
- Make Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Dress and Toss: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and seafood mixture. Add the finely chopped fresh dill, then toss everything gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve the chilled seafood pasta salad cold, garnished with lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness and acidity.
Notes
- Use fresh seafood for best flavor and texture; cooked shrimp and fresh crab meat work perfectly.
- Chilling the salad helps the flavors to blend and improves the overall taste.
- Feel free to substitute mayonnaise with a light or vegan alternative for dietary preferences.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste.
- This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days but is best enjoyed fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Seafood pasta salad, shrimp pasta salad, crab meat salad, chilled pasta salad, summer salad, light lunch, lemon dill dressing
