Description
Looking for a quick and refreshing dish to brighten your summer meals? This creamy Crab Pasta Salad features tender shell pasta, sweet imitation crab, and crunchy vegetables, all tossed in a zesty herbed dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or light lunches, this salad combines vibrant flavors and delightful textures that will satisfy your cravings. With its simple preparation and make-ahead convenience, you’ll love having this dish on hand for gatherings or as a meal prep staple. Chill it in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld beautifully before serving it cold.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces small shell pasta
- 1¼ cups mayonnaise
- 2½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1½ teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped)
- ⅓ cup dill pickles (finely chopped)
- 1 cup celery (diced)
- ½ cup red onion (finely chopped)
- ⅓ cup green onions (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup frozen peas (thawed)
- 12 ounces imitation crab meat (chopped or flaked)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in dill and pickles.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with imitation crab meat, celery, red onion, green onions, and peas.
- Pour the dressing over the mixture; gently mix until evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Before serving, stir gently to redistribute dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main/Side
- Method: Mixing/Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg