Crab Pasta Salad

This Crab Pasta Salad is the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and crunchy, featuring a delightful combination of imitation crab, vegetables, and a zesty mayo-based dressing. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s ideal for summer picnics, BBQs, or any casual gathering. With its fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crab Pasta Salad is a deliciously satisfying side dish that combines the lightness of pasta with the bold flavors of Old Bay seasoning, dill, and tangy pickles. The creamy dressing ties everything together while keeping the salad light and refreshing. With a mix of imitation crab, fresh vegetables, and seasonings, every bite is bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld together for the perfect summer dish. Whether you’re serving it at a picnic, potluck, or weeknight dinner, this pasta salad is a guaranteed hit.

Ingredients

• 12 oz small shell pasta

• 1 1/4 cups mayonnaise

• 2 1/2 tbsp 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

• 1/3 cup dill pickles, chopped

• 12 oz imitation crab meat, chopped

• 1 cup celery, diced

• 1/2 cup red onion, diced

• 1/3 cup green onions, chopped

• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the small shell pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, then set aside to cool.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper until smooth.

3. Stir in the fresh dill, dill pickles, imitation crab meat, celery, red onion, green onions, and peas.

4. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and mix until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.

5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

6. Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

7. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling)

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This pasta salad can also be made a day ahead of time for even more flavor.

• Reheating: This salad is best served cold, so no reheating is needed.

FAQs

Can I use real crab meat instead of imitation crab?

Yes, you can use real crab meat if you prefer. Just make sure to shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces.

Can I make this pasta salad gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta in place of regular pasta to make this salad gluten-free.

Can I add more vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or carrots to increase the crunch and add more flavor to the salad.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad tastes even better after sitting in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. It gives the flavors time to meld and develop.

Can I make this salad dairy-free?

To make this pasta salad dairy-free, use a dairy-free mayonnaise alternative. Just be sure to check the labels for any hidden dairy ingredients.

Can I add herbs or spices to change the flavor?

Yes! If you prefer a more herbaceous flavor, feel free to add more fresh dill or even a handful of parsley. You can also add a little extra Old Bay seasoning for a spicier kick or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any short pasta shape like rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni. Just make sure to cook it according to package directions and let it cool before mixing it into the salad.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

While the imitation crab is not considered vegetarian, you can make a vegetarian version by swapping the crab with a plant-based substitute or omitting it entirely.

How do I prevent the pasta from getting too soggy?

To avoid soggy pasta, make sure to rinse the cooked pasta with cold water after draining. This will cool the pasta quickly and prevent it from absorbing too much of the dressing.

Conclusion

This Crab Pasta Salad is a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and crunchy flavors, making it an ideal dish for any casual gathering or picnic. The combination of imitation crab, fresh vegetables, and a zesty mayo-based dressing ensures every bite is packed with flavor. Quick to make and even better when prepared in advance, this pasta salad is sure to become a go-to for your summer meals. Serve it at your next BBQ or potluck, and watch it disappear!