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The Best Crab Pasta Salad

The Best Crab Pasta Salad Recipe: Creamy, Fresh, and Irresistible

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  • Author: Isabella
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Crab Pasta Salad recipe is a delightful combination of tender pasta shells, imitation crab meat, and a creamy, flavorful dressing. It’s a perfect dish for a summer gathering or a light lunch.


Ingredients

Scale
  • Pasta:
  • 12 oz small shell pasta
  • Dressing:
  • 1 1/4 cups mayonnaise
  • 2 1/2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill
  • Mix-ins:
  • 1/3 cup dill pickles, chopped
  • 12 oz imitation crab meat, chopped
  • 1 cup celery, chopped
  • 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup green onions, sliced
  • 1 cup frozen peas (thawed)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.

2. Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, salt, pepper, and fresh dill.

3. Combine Ingredients: Add pickles, imitation crab, celery, red onion, green onions, and peas to the dressing.

4. Assemble the Salad: Mix in the cooled pasta until well coated.

5. Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

6. Serve: Garnish with dill or green onions before serving cold.


Notes

This salad tastes even better if made a few hours ahead to allow the flavors to meld.

You can customize the ingredients by adding in diced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g