Pasta Salad with Crab

$- 8 oz rotini pasta - 1 cup cooked crab meat (lump or claw) - 1 ripe avocado, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cucumber, diced - 1/4 red onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 3 tablespoons lemon juice - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper For this pasta salad, I use rotini pasta. It holds the dressing well, making each bite tasty. You need crab meat for a sweet, fresh flavor. I love using lump or claw meat. Diced avocado adds creaminess, while cherry tomatoes bring color and sweetness. The cucumber adds a nice crunch. I always include red onion for a bit of bite and fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor. For the dressing, lemon juice gives a zesty touch and olive oil adds richness. I like to season with salt and pepper. If you want a little heat, add cayenne pepper. This blend of fresh ingredients creates a bright and refreshing taste. If you want the full details, check out the Full Recipe. To boil rotini pasta, start by filling a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt to the water. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta. Cook it for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want it to be al dente, which means it should still be firm when you bite it. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse the pasta under cold water. This helps cool it down and stop the cooking process. Next, let’s prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, add 3 tablespoons of lemon juice. Pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Whisk these two together until they blend well. Now, season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like some heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Mix it all together until it’s smooth. Now comes the fun part—assembling the salad! In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, 1 cup of cooked crab meat, and 1 diced avocado. Add in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 diced cucumber, 1/4 finely chopped red onion, and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro. Pour the dressing over the top. Gently toss everything together. Be careful not to mash the avocado. This salad is fresh and colorful, making it a joy to prepare. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To make the best pasta salad, cook your pasta until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. When you bite into it, it should have a slight chew. If you overcook it, the pasta will turn mushy, which is not what you want. After cooking, rinse the pasta under cold water. This cools it down and stops the cooking process. Chilling the salad is also key. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the flavors to mix and become stronger. When serving pasta salad, use a large bowl to show off its colors. You can also serve it in individual bowls or plates for a nice touch. This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. A light white wine goes perfectly too. If you want to add some crunch, serve it with toasted bread or a fresh green salad. You can also offer a zesty dressing on the side for extra flavor. For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe of Crab & Avocado Delight Pasta Salad. {{image_2}} You can switch up the crab meat for other options. If you want to keep it light, try shrimp or cooked chicken. Canned tuna also makes a great choice. Each adds a unique taste without losing the joy of the salad. You can also mix in more veggies. Bell peppers add crunch and sweetness. Spinach or kale provides nice greens. Try adding corn for sweetness, or artichokes for a tangy twist. These substitutions keep the salad fresh and exciting. Herbs and spices can take your pasta salad to new heights. Fresh dill or basil add a lovely aroma and taste. Chives offer a mild onion flavor that pairs well with crab. Don't be shy to sprinkle in some black pepper or garlic powder for extra kick. Changing the dressing gives you a chance to explore flavors. A creamy ranch or tangy vinaigrette can add a whole new vibe. Try a spicy sriracha dressing for a bit of heat. These flavor enhancements can transform your dish. You can find the full recipe for my Crab & Avocado Delight Pasta Salad [here](#). To keep your crab pasta salad fresh, place it in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. Make sure to refrigerate it right after serving. Your pasta salad will stay fresh for about three days in the fridge. If you notice the avocado turning brown, it’s still safe to eat but may not look as nice. Can you freeze pasta salad? Technically, yes, but it’s not the best idea. Freezing can change the texture of the pasta and vegetables. You may end up with a mushy salad once thawed. If you decide to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Serve it cold for the best taste. You can use different types of crab in your salad. Lump crab meat is popular for its rich flavor and texture. Claw meat also works well and tends to be more affordable. You might even try imitation crab if you're on a budget. Just ensure any crab you choose is fresh and well-cooked for the best taste. Yes, you can make pasta salad ahead of time. It's a great option for meal prep. Just follow the full recipe and store the salad in the fridge. It tastes best after chilling for an hour or more. This waiting time helps the flavors mix well. Keep it covered to prevent it from drying out. While pasta salad is often served cold, you can enjoy it warm too. If you prefer warm pasta salad, serve it right after you mix in the dressing. Just be careful not to overheat the crab. It can become tough if cooked too long. This pasta salad pairs nicely with grilled veggies or a light soup. You could serve it with crusty bread for a simple meal. A mixed green salad also makes a great side. If you want something special, add a glass of crisp white wine. Enjoy the burst of flavors together! This pasta salad combines tasty ingredients like crab, avocado, and fresh veggies. You learned how to cook rotini perfectly, make a simple dressing, and assemble it all. Use tips to chill your salad and ensure the pasta is al dente. Don’t forget the variations to suit your taste. You can even store leftovers or freeze any extra. This dish is not only easy to make, but it also works for any meal. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful crab pasta salad!$

Discover the refreshing taste of Crab & Avocado Delight Pasta Salad, a perfect dish for any occasion! This easy-to-make recipe combines tender rotini pasta, succulent crab meat, and creamy avocado, topped with a zesty lemon dressing. Ideal for picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch, this salad is sure to impress. Click through to explore this delicious recipe and bring a burst of flavor to your table!

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Ingredients

8 oz rotini pasta

1 cup cooked crab meat (lump or claw)

1 ripe avocado, diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cucumber, diced

1/4 red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

3 tablespoons lemon juice

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for a bit of heat

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and add the rotini pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne pepper.

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crab meat, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro.

Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss to combine, being careful not to mash the avocado.

Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serve: Give the salad a gentle toss before serving to redistribute any settling ingredients and dressing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4