Seafood Pasta Salad is a creamy, refreshing dish that brings together the delightful flavors of shrimp, lump crab, and shell pasta. This salad features fresh dill, crisp celery, and a tangy mayo-based dressing, making it an ideal choice for summer gatherings or a light main course. Whether you’re hosting a picnic or a dinner party, this seafood pasta salad is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

Why You’ll Love This Seafood Pasta Salad

This seafood pasta salad is not just delicious; it also boasts several benefits. First, it’s a quick seafood pasta salad preparation option, taking only 25 minutes to prepare. Second, it’s packed with protein, thanks to the shrimp and crab, making it a healthy seafood pasta salad recipe. Third, it’s incredibly versatile; you can easily customize it with different ingredients like vegetables or alternative seafood. Fourth, it’s perfect for summer parties, as it’s light and refreshing. Fifth, the creamy dressing and fresh herbs add a burst of flavor. Lastly, it’s a showstopper that can be served as a side dish or a main course!

Ingredients for Seafood Pasta Salad

Gather these items:

• 16 oz medium shell pasta
• 1½ lemons (1 for shrimp water, ½ for dressing)
• 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp kosher salt (for shrimp boiling water)
• ⅔ cup mayonnaise (or ⅓ cup mayo + ⅓ cup plain yogurt or sour cream)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp capers, coarsely chopped
• ¼ cup fresh dill, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 medium shallot, minced
• 3 ribs celery, diced small
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 8 oz lump crab meat

How to Make Seafood Pasta Salad Step-by-Step

1. Step 1: Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Shake to remove excess water and set aside.
2. Step 2: Cut 1 lemon into wedges and reserve ½ lemon for dressing.
3. Step 3: Bring 2 quarts of water with lemon wedges and kosher salt to a boil.
4. Step 4: Add shrimp, cover, and remove from heat. Let sit for 3 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked. Transfer to an ice bath, cool, then pat dry.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, capers, dill, and shallot. Season with black pepper.
6. Step 6: In a large bowl, combine pasta, shrimp, crab, and celery. Pour dressing over and gently toss to coat.
7. Step 7: Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving. Garnish with fresh dill if desired.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Seafood Pasta Salad

Keep these in mind:

• Use high-quality seafood for the best flavor.
• Allow the salad to chill for at least an hour; this enhances the flavors.
• For a lighter version, consider substituting half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.

Best Ways to Serve Seafood Pasta Salad

There are many delightful ways to enjoy this salad:

• As a refreshing side dish at summer barbecues.
• Serve it on a bed of fresh greens for added crunch.
• Pair it with a crisp white wine for a perfect meal.

How to Store and Reheat Seafood Pasta Salad

To store, cover the salad and keep it in the refrigerator. It can be enjoyed for up to three days. If you plan on making this seafood salad with pasta for meal prep, just remember that the flavors will only get better as it sits!

Frequently Asked Questions About Seafood Pasta Salad

What’s the secret to perfect Seafood Pasta Salad?

The secret lies in using fresh ingredients and allowing the salad to chill. This lets the flavors meld beautifully, making every bite a delight. A good balance of creamy dressing with fresh herbs is key!

Can I make Seafood Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a day in advance allows the flavors to develop even more. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Seafood Pasta Salad?

To avoid overcooking the shrimp, monitor the cooking time closely. Also, be sure to chill the salad thoroughly before serving for the best taste.

Variations of Seafood Pasta Salad You Can Try

Here are some delicious variations:

• Swap the shrimp and crab for scallops or lobster for a luxurious twist.
• Add cherry tomatoes and cucumber for extra freshness.
• For a kick, include a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.

For more delicious recipes, check out Mediterranean Chickpea Salad or Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil. If you’re interested in healthy options, consider Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa.

Delicious Seafood Pasta Salad for Summer Gatherings

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A creamy, refreshing seafood pasta salad featuring shrimp, lump crab, shell pasta, fresh dill, celery, and a tangy mayo-based dressing — perfect for summer gatherings or a light main dish.

• Author: Robert
• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 10 min
• Total Time: 25 min
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing and boiling
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Seafood

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 16 oz medium shell pasta
• 1½ lemons (1 for shrimp water, ½ for dressing)
• 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp kosher salt (for shrimp boiling water)
• ⅔ cup mayonnaise (or ⅓ cup mayo + ⅓ cup plain yogurt or sour cream)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp capers, coarsely chopped
• ¼ cup fresh dill, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 medium shallot, minced
• 3 ribs celery, diced small
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 8 oz lump crab meat

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Shake to remove excess water and set aside.
2. Cut 1 lemon into wedges and reserve ½ lemon for dressing.
3. Bring 2 quarts of water with lemon wedges and kosher salt to a boil.
4. Add shrimp, cover, and remove from heat. Let sit for 3 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked. Transfer to ice bath, cool, then pat dry.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, capers, dill, and shallot. Season with black pepper.
6. In a large bowl, combine pasta, shrimp, crab, and celery. Pour dressing over and gently toss to coat.
7. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving. Garnish with fresh dill if desired.

Notes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg