Dive into refreshing coastal flavors with this Coastal Seafood Pasta Salad! Packed with succulent crab and shrimp, vibrant veggies, and a creamy dressing, this dish is perfect for gatherings or a light meal. Just 45 minutes to prep and serve, it’s as tasty as it is beautiful.
8 ounces rotini pasta
1 cup cooked crab meat, shredded
1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup cucumber, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup green bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup black olives, sliced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
![To make a great seafood pasta salad, you need fresh, quality ingredients. Here’s what to gather: - 8 ounces rotini pasta - 1 cup cooked crab meat, shredded - 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup cucumber, diced - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup green bell pepper, diced - 1/4 cup black olives, sliced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/2 cup mayonnaise - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients create a bright and flavorful dish. The rotini pasta holds the dressing well, while the seafood adds a rich taste. The vegetables give crunch and color. Using fresh parsley at the end makes the dish look pretty and adds flavor. For the dressing, a mix of mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard ties everything together. You can find the full recipe linked above. To begin, cook 8 ounces of rotini pasta. Follow the package instructions closely. This step is key to achieving al dente pasta. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse it under cold water. This cools the pasta and stops the cooking process. It also helps prevent clumping. Next, grab a large mixing bowl. In this bowl, combine the chilled pasta, 1 cup of shredded crab meat, and 1 cup of peeled and deveined shrimp. Then, add 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup diced cucumber, and 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion. Toss in 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper and 1/4 cup sliced black olives. Don’t forget 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley for that bright touch. In a separate bowl, prepare the dressing. Whisk together 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix until smooth. Now pour the dressing over the seafood and pasta mixture. Gently toss everything together. Ensure that every ingredient is well coated with the dressing. This step brings all the flavors together. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. Adjust the salt and pepper if needed. For a delicious touch, you can check out the Full Recipe for extra tips. To get perfect pasta texture, cook rotini until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Rinse it under cold water right after cooking. This stops the cooking process and keeps it from getting mushy. For seafood preparation, always choose fresh crab and shrimp. If you use frozen, make sure to thaw it properly. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink, which shows they are done. Shredding crab meat can be tricky, so take your time to avoid lumps. You can make a tasty homemade dressing with simple ingredients. Mix olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt for a lighter version. You can also use yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier take. Try adding herbs like dill or basil for extra flavor. When serving your salad, use a large, clear glass bowl. This shows off the colorful ingredients well. For garnishing, sprinkle extra parsley on top and add lemon wedges for a fresh look. Consider using small bowls for individual servings, which makes it fun and easy for guests to grab. Feel free to explore the [Full Recipe] for all the steps. {{image_2}} You can boost your seafood pasta salad by adding more seafood. Consider using scallops, clams, or even lobster. Each type brings unique flavors and textures. For example, scallops provide a sweet taste, while clams add a briny kick. When you add seafood, be mindful of cooking times. Cook the seafood separately to avoid overcooking. If you want to make this salad meat-free, there are great substitutes. Replace crab and shrimp with chickpeas or artichoke hearts. Both options add protein and texture. You can also use diced avocado for creaminess. These swaps ensure you still enjoy a flavorful salad without seafood. Adjusting seasonings can make your dish truly yours. Start by tasting your salad after mixing. You might want to add more lemon juice for zing or extra salt for balance. Fresh herbs can also enhance flavor. Try adding dill, basil, or chives. Each herb adds a new layer of taste. Don't hesitate to experiment until it suits your palate! Store your seafood pasta salad in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. I recommend glass containers for easy viewing. They are safe and easy to clean. Can you freeze seafood pasta salad? Yes, but it's best to eat it fresh. If you freeze it, the texture may change. To freeze, place it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space for expansion. For thawing, move it to the fridge overnight. Serve it cold, or gently warm it in the microwave. How long can you keep the salad? The salad lasts up to three days in the fridge. After that, the seafood can spoil. Signs of spoilage include a sour smell or change in color. If you notice these signs, it’s best to discard it. Enjoy it fresh for the best taste. For the full recipe, check out the Coastal Seafood Pasta Salad. Can you make seafood pasta salad in advance? Yes, you can make seafood pasta salad ahead of time. It tastes even better after sitting in the fridge. I recommend making it a few hours or even a day before you serve it. This gives the flavors time to blend well. What is the best type of pasta to use? For this salad, I love using rotini pasta. Its twists hold the dressing and seafood nicely. You can also try fusilli or shells if you want. Just ensure the pasta cooks al dente for the best texture. What goes well with seafood pasta salad? Seafood pasta salad pairs great with a simple green salad or garlic bread. You can also serve it with a light soup or grilled vegetables. These sides make a lovely meal. Can it be served warm or cold? This salad is best served cold. The chilled pasta and seafood make it refreshing. If you prefer, you can serve it warm right after mixing, but chilling enhances the taste. Gluten-free options You can easily make this dish gluten-free. Just swap the rotini pasta with gluten-free pasta. Many options are available in stores today. Be sure to check the label. Low-calorie modifications To make it lower in calories, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. You can also reduce the amount of crab and shrimp while adding more veggies. This keeps it filling but lighter. For more details on the recipe, check the Full Recipe. This blog post guided you through making a delicious seafood pasta salad. We covered the key ingredients, from rotini to crab and shrimp. The step-by-step instructions helped you prepare it with ease. You learned helpful tips for cooking, dressing alternatives, and fun presentation ideas. In closing, this salad is not just tasty but also flexible. Experiment with ingredients and enjoy your unique creation!](https://savorystride.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/3fe15aad-8f97-4685-ba5c-7580e45c7f7c-250x250.webp)