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To make a great seafood pasta salad, you need fresh and tasty items. Here is what I use: - 8 ounces rotini pasta - 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup cooked calamari, sliced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup black olives, sliced - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/2 cup mayonnaise - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste Each ingredient adds color and flavor. The rotini pasta holds the dressing well. Shrimp and calamari bring the ocean's taste to the dish. Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness, while olives and onions give it a nice bite. You can mix in more items for extra flavor. Here are some ideas: - Diced bell peppers for crunch - Capers for a briny taste - Avocado for creaminess - Fresh basil for a hint of sweetness - Feta cheese for a salty kick These add-ins can change the taste and texture. Try different combinations to find your favorite mix. When picking seafood, freshness is key. Here are some great options: - Scallops for a sweet and tender bite - Crab meat for a rich flavor - Lobster for a touch of luxury - Smoked salmon for a unique twist Use any seafood you love. Just make sure it is fresh. This will help you create a delightful seafood pasta salad. For the full recipe, check out the Ocean Breeze Seafood Pasta Salad. To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 7 to 10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This helps cool it down and stops the cooking process. Set it aside in a large bowl. Next, let’s get our seafood and veggies ready. You need 1 cup of cooked shrimp and 1 cup of cooked calamari. Make sure the shrimp is peeled and deveined, and slice the calamari into rings. Chop 1 cup of cherry tomatoes in half. Slice 1/2 cup of black olives and finely chop 1/4 cup of red onion. Finally, chop 1/4 cup of fresh parsley. In your large bowl, combine the pasta, shrimp, calamari, tomatoes, olives, onion, and parsley. Mix them gently to combine. Now, we’ll make the dressing. In a separate bowl, add 1/2 cup of mayonnaise. Squeeze in 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Then, add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined. Pour the dressing over your pasta and seafood mixture. Gently toss everything until it is nicely coated with the dressing. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This waiting time helps the flavors blend together. Before serving, give it a gentle toss again and check the seasoning. For the full recipe, check out the Ocean Breeze Seafood Pasta Salad. When choosing seafood, look for bright colors and a clean smell. Fresh shrimp should have a firm texture. The shells should be shiny and not sticky. For calamari, choose pieces that are white and not slimy. Avoid seafood with a strong fishy odor. Always buy from a trusted source. This ensures you get the best quality for your salad. To cook pasta well, use plenty of water and add salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding the rotini. Stir the pasta to prevent sticking. Cook it until al dente, so it has a slight bite. Drain the pasta, then rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools it down quickly. When serving your seafood pasta salad, use a large, shallow bowl. This allows everyone to see the colorful ingredients. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges for a fresh look. You can also serve it with crusty bread on the side. For a fun twist, pair it with a light white wine. This will enhance the flavors of the seafood. Check out the full recipe to create your perfect dish. {{image_2}} You can use different pasta shapes for your seafood pasta salad. Rotini works well, but you can try shells or farfalle. These shapes hold the dressing nicely. You can also use gluten-free pasta if needed. Just follow the package instructions for cooking times. This way, the pasta will be perfect for your salad. Feel free to mix up the seafood in your salad. If you like crab, add some lump crab meat. Scallops also taste great in this dish. You can even use canned tuna for a budget-friendly option. Just make sure to drain it well. For a fun twist, consider smoked salmon for a unique flavor. The dressing is key to a great salad. While mayonnaise is classic, you can swap it for Greek yogurt for a lighter taste. For a zing, add some Dijon mustard or a splash of hot sauce. You can also use olive oil and vinegar for a fresh, tangy option. Experiment with spices like dill or parsley to make it your own. Check out the Full Recipe for a base dressing you can modify! To keep your seafood pasta salad fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure the lid seals tight. If you have a lot of salad, divide it into smaller portions. This way, you can enjoy it later without losing flavor. When stored correctly, seafood pasta salad lasts about three days in the fridge. Check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or looks strange, it’s best to throw it away. Always trust your senses! I don’t recommend freezing seafood pasta salad. The texture of the seafood and pasta will change. Instead, refrigerate it for short-term storage. If you plan to enjoy it later in the week, refrigerating is the best choice. For the full recipe, check the details provided earlier! Yes, you can use canned seafood. Canned shrimp or crab works well. Rinse the seafood to remove excess salt. This option saves time and still adds great flavor. Just be sure to choose good quality canned seafood for the best taste. Rotini is my favorite for seafood pasta salad. Its spiral shape holds the dressing and seafood well. Other good choices are fusilli or penne. These shapes add fun texture and keep everything together in each bite. To create a lighter dressing, mix Greek yogurt with lemon juice. This gives you creaminess without heavy mayo. Add a touch of garlic powder and herbs for flavor. You can also use olive oil and vinegar for a fresh twist. You now know how to make a great seafood pasta salad. We covered key ingredients and how to cook pasta perfectly. I shared tips for choosing fresh seafood and discussed storage options. You can vary the recipe to fit your taste. Whether you use canned seafood or a lighter dressing, there are many ways to enjoy this dish. Dive into making your salad today! Enjoy the robust flavors and fresh seafood.

Seafood Pasta Salad

Dive into summer flavors with this Ocean Breeze Seafood Pasta Salad, the perfect dish for any occasion! With vibrant ingredients like shrimp, calamari, cherry tomatoes, and a creamy dressing, this salad is both refreshing and satisfying. In just 50 minutes, you can create a delightful meal that serves six. Ready to impress your guests? Click through to discover the full recipe and enjoy a taste of the ocean at your table!
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Ingredients
  

8 ounces rotini pasta

1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup cooked calamari, sliced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup black olives, sliced

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked shrimp, calamari, cherry tomatoes, black olives, red onion, and parsley.

      In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.

        Pour the dressing over the pasta and seafood mixture. Gently toss until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.

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

            Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss again and adjust seasoning if necessary.

              Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6

                - Presentation Tips: Serve in a large, shallow bowl garnished with extra parsley and lemon wedges for a fresh touch.