Summer gatherings, beach picnics, or a light meal on a warm afternoon—this seafood pasta salad is everything you need to bring a touch of freshness and flavor to any occasion. Combining the best of seafood, crisp veggies, and creamy dressing, this dish is as delicious as it is easy to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, a potluck, or simply looking for something light but satisfying, this pasta salad checks all the boxes.

I first made this seafood pasta salad on a sunny afternoon, when I was craving something light yet indulgent. I wanted a dish that was refreshing, but also packed with flavor, and after a few tweaks, this recipe became my go-to for summer meals. The combination of tender shrimp, imitation crab meat, and perfectly cooked pasta, all wrapped in a tangy, creamy dressing, was exactly what I had in mind. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that you can make ahead of time, which is always a bonus in my book. You can just prepare it the day before and let it chill in the fridge, letting the flavors meld together and making your life so much easier.

Let’s dive into how to make this refreshing seafood pasta salad—it’s so simple, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it before!

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Delicious Seafood Pasta Salad

The best part about this seafood pasta salad? It’s incredibly versatile and can be adapted to your taste. You don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients to pull this off, and it comes together quickly. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

For the Salad:

• 8 ounces of pasta (elbow, rotini, or bowtie)—any of these will work wonderfully. I prefer rotini for its ability to hold the dressing, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand.

• 1/2 pound of cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined—shrimp adds a lovely, sweet flavor and a bit of a bite.

• 1/2 pound of imitation crab meat, chopped—this is what gives the salad that classic seafood salad taste, but you can substitute with real crab if you prefer.

• 1 cup of celery, diced—adds a crisp, refreshing crunch.

• 1/2 cup of red bell pepper, diced—this brings a pop of color and a subtle sweetness.

• 1/2 cup of green onion, sliced—these add a mild onion flavor and a touch of brightness.

• 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped—this will help brighten the salad and make it feel fresh and herbaceous.

For the Dressing:

• 1/2 cup of mayonnaise—this forms the base of your creamy dressing.

• 1/2 cup of sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)—adds creaminess and a slight tang to balance the richness of the mayo.

• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice—a squeeze of lemon is key to making the dressing light and refreshing.

• 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard—this adds a hint of sharpness and depth to the dressing.

• 1 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning (or to taste)—this iconic seafood seasoning gives the dish that unmistakable seafood flavor. If you don’t have Old Bay, you can always use a mix of paprika, celery salt, and a little cayenne for the same effect.

• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder—just a touch to enhance the flavor without overpowering it.

• Salt and black pepper, to taste—don’t forget to adjust these to suit your preferences.

Now that you’ve got everything ready, let’s talk about how to bring it all together.

Step 1: Cooking the Pasta

First things first: cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. I know it seems like a small detail, but salting the water is crucial—it helps season the pasta itself, making it taste better. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. You want it to be tender but still have a slight bite to it. After draining the pasta, be sure to rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. Set it aside to cool completely, and now you’re ready to move on to the next step.

Step 2: Making the Dressing

While the pasta is cooling, let’s make the dressing. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt if you’re going for a lighter option), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This is where the magic happens. The creamy base from the mayo and sour cream (or yogurt) pairs perfectly with the tang of lemon juice and Dijon mustard. Taste the dressing and adjust it as you like—maybe you want a little extra Old Bay for more flavor, or you can add a pinch more salt to bring everything together. It’s all about balancing those flavors to suit your taste.

Once the dressing is smooth and well-mixed, set it aside and get ready to assemble the salad.

Step 3: Assembling the Salad

This part is fun—gather everything you’ve prepped and toss it all together! In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked shrimp, chopped crab meat, diced celery, red bell pepper, green onion, and chopped parsley. You can really use any combination of veggies that you like here, but these particular ingredients give the salad great texture and flavor. I love the crunch from the celery and the slight sweetness from the bell pepper—it really helps balance out the seafood.

Once everything is in the bowl, pour the dressing over the ingredients. Now, gently toss everything together so that all the pasta and veggies are coated in the creamy, tangy dressing. You want to be gentle here so that the shrimp and crab don’t get broken up too much, but you also want to make sure that every bite has that perfect dressing.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

This seafood pasta salad is best when it’s had a little time to chill in the fridge. Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This gives the flavors time to meld together and makes the salad even more delicious. When you’re ready to serve, you can garnish it with a little extra fresh parsley or even a few lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness.

How to Make Ahead and Store the Salad

One of the best parts of this seafood pasta salad is that it can be made ahead of time. In fact, letting it chill for a few hours (or even overnight) can really enhance the flavors, allowing the dressing to soak into the pasta and vegetables. This makes it the perfect dish for parties, potlucks, or any busy weeknight when you want something light but satisfying.

To make ahead, simply prepare the salad as instructed, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate it. The pasta will absorb the dressing as it chills, and the seafood flavors will meld beautifully. Just be sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

If you’re planning to make it the day before, try to save the garnish—extra parsley and lemon wedges—until just before serving. It will keep the salad looking fresh and vibrant.

Customize the Salad to Your Taste

The beauty of pasta salad is that it’s highly customizable. If you’re not a fan of certain ingredients, or if you want to make the dish a little heartier, here are a few ideas to switch things up:

• Add more seafood: If you’re a seafood lover, consider adding more shrimp, crab, or even some lobster. This will give the salad a richer, more indulgent feel.

• Change up the veggies: While celery, bell peppers, and green onions are my go-to choices, you can definitely play around. Try adding diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or even some finely chopped red onion for extra flavor. If you like a bit of crunch, roasted corn kernels would be a fun addition too.

• Herb swaps: If you’re not a fan of parsley, you can swap it out for dill or basil for a slightly different flavor profile. Dill, in particular, pairs wonderfully with seafood and will give the salad a nice, fresh kick.

• For a spicy kick: If you want to give your salad a little heat, try adding some finely diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing. It will add a whole new layer of flavor!

The Best Pasta for Seafood Pasta Salad

The pasta you choose really makes a difference in the final texture of the salad. Short, bite-sized pasta shapes like elbow, rotini, or bowtie work best for this dish. They’re sturdy enough to hold up to the creamy dressing without getting soggy. Additionally, their twists and grooves hold the dressing, giving every bite that creamy, tangy flavor.

If you prefer, you could also use gluten-free pasta if you need to accommodate dietary restrictions, but be sure to cook it al dente to avoid it becoming too soft and mushy after chilling.

Make it Lighter: Greek Yogurt Swap

If you’re looking to lighten up the dish without compromising on creaminess, swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt. It still gives you that tangy bite, but with the added benefit of extra protein and less fat. The dressing will still be rich and smooth, but with a slightly lighter feel. Greek yogurt also helps balance out the flavor, especially if you’ve gone a little heavy-handed with the Old Bay seasoning.

You can also opt for a low-fat mayo or even a vegan mayo to make the dish a bit lighter, and it will still come together perfectly.

Serving Suggestions: What Goes Well with Seafood Pasta Salad

While this seafood pasta salad is definitely a stand-alone dish, it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few options to serve alongside:

• Grilled vegetables: Lightly charred veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus make a great side to this cool, creamy pasta salad.

• Fresh fruit: A light fruit salad with melon, berries, and citrus adds a refreshing sweetness that complements the seafood salad perfectly.

• Crusty bread: If you want to go all out, serve it with some warm, crusty bread. A slice of baguette or sourdough will help you scoop up every last bit of creamy dressing.

• Green salad: For some extra crunch and freshness, serve with a simple green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette.

Why This Seafood Pasta Salad is Perfect for Any Occasion

What I love most about this seafood pasta salad is how adaptable it is. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own as a meal, but also light enough to be a refreshing side dish for a summer barbecue. You can even serve it as an appetizer at a dinner party—it’s versatile, satisfying, and looks beautiful on a platter.

The combination of textures—creamy, crunchy, and tender—is what makes each bite so enjoyable. And whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering, a picnic, or just as a weeknight treat, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. I promise you’ll have people coming back for seconds (and even thirds!).

FAQ Section

1. Can I use fresh crab meat instead of imitation crab meat?

Absolutely! If you prefer fresh crab meat, it will add an extra layer of flavor and richness to the salad. Simply swap out the imitation crab for an equal amount of fresh crab meat, making sure to shred it or chop it into bite-sized pieces. Fresh crab adds a more delicate, sweet flavor that’s perfect for this salad, but keep in mind it may be a little more expensive than imitation crab.

2. Can I make this seafood pasta salad without shrimp?

Yes, you can! While shrimp adds a lovely sweetness and texture, this salad still works wonderfully without it. If you’re not a fan of shrimp or prefer a different protein, you could substitute with other seafood like scallops, lobster, or even a can of tuna for a more affordable option. You can also make it completely vegetarian by omitting the seafood entirely and focusing on the pasta, vegetables, and dressing.

3. How can I make the dressing a bit lighter?

If you’re looking to lighten up the dressing, you can swap out the sour cream for Greek yogurt, as mentioned earlier, or use a lighter mayonnaise. Another trick is to use a bit less mayonnaise and add more Greek yogurt or even some low-fat buttermilk to retain creaminess but cut down on the calories. You can also experiment with a yogurt-based dressing, where you replace the mayo entirely.

4. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! The beauty of pasta salad is that you can use pretty much any type of pasta you like. For a healthier option, you could try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Just keep in mind that different types of pasta might change the texture a bit, so choose a shape that holds up well in a salad. As mentioned before, rotini, bowtie, and elbow pasta are great choices, but you could also go with penne or farfalle if you prefer.

5. How long can I store leftover seafood pasta salad?

You can store any leftover seafood pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. However, keep in mind that the pasta may absorb some of the dressing over time, so the salad might dry out a little bit. To refresh it, you can add a bit more dressing, a splash of lemon juice, or even a small dollop of mayo to bring back the creaminess. Seafood salads like this one don’t hold up for too long, so it’s best to eat them within a few days for the best flavor and texture.

6. Can I add more vegetables to the salad?

Of course! Feel free to get creative and add more veggies to the mix. Some great options include diced cucumber, peas, cherry tomatoes, or even finely chopped spinach or arugula for a peppery kick. If you want a little crunch, try adding roasted corn, jicama, or radishes. The key is to maintain a good balance between the pasta, seafood, and veggies, so don’t overcrowd the salad with too many ingredients.

7. Can I make the seafood pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, and in fact, it’s recommended! This salad is one of those dishes that tastes even better after it’s had some time to chill and the flavors have had a chance to meld together. Make it a few hours—or even the day before—your event for the best results. Just be sure to store it properly in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion

There you have it! A simple, flavorful, and utterly delicious seafood pasta salad that’s perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or just a light meal on a warm day. With the right combination of creamy dressing, tender seafood, and crisp veggies, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your next meal.

Whether you stick to the original recipe or get creative with your own twist, this seafood pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Don’t be afraid to experiment and add your own favorite ingredients—you might just discover a new version that becomes your go-to.

So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and make this seafood pasta salad the star of your next gathering. And if you’ve tried any fun variations or have other tips, I’d love to hear about them in the comments below! Share your creations, and let’s keep making these tasty dishes even better. Happy cooking!