This Seafood Pasta Salad is creamy, zesty, and packed with fresh flavors. Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or a light dinner, it combines tender seafood, crisp vegetables, and a bright lemony dressing that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
Pasta & Seafood
- 8 oz pasta (rotini, penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled & deveined, chopped
- 1 cup crab meat (real crab or imitation, flaked)
- ½ cup cooked calamari or scallops (optional, for extra seafood flavor)
Fresh Vegetables
- ½ cup celery, finely chopped
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup cucumber, diced (seeds removed)
- ¼ cup red onion, finely minced
- ½ cup sweet corn (fresh, frozen & thawed, or canned)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped
Creamy Lemon Dressing
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or seafood seasoning)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for extra silkiness)
Optional Add-Ins
- Sliced olives
- Capers (for a briny kick)
- Avocado cubes (add just before serving)
- A pinch of chili flakes for heat
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely. Set aside. - Prepare the Seafood
If shrimp are not already cooked, boil or sauté them for 2–3 minutes until pink and opaque.
Let cool, then chop into bite-size pieces. Flake the crab meat gently. - Make the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream (or yogurt), lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, Old Bay, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. - Assemble the Salad
Add cooled pasta, shrimp, crab, optional seafood, and all vegetables to the dressing bowl. - Mix Gently
Toss everything together carefully to avoid breaking the seafood. Taste and adjust seasoning with more lemon, salt, or pepper. - Chill & Serve
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30–60 minutes to let flavors blend beautifully.
Serving Tips
- Serve chilled with lemon wedges on the side
- Garnish with extra herbs or shrimp on top
- Pair with garlic bread or a crisp green salad
Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days
- Stir gently before serving again