If you’re searching for a refreshing and flavorful seafood pasta salad, you’ve just found your new go-to dish! This cold pasta salad is packed with tender shrimp, imitation crab meat, fresh vegetables, and tossed in a creamy, zesty Italian dressing. Whether you’re planning a summer cookout, a family gathering, or just want something light and satisfying, this seafood pasta salad recipe checks all the boxes.
What Makes This Seafood Pasta Salad So Good?
This isn’t your average pasta salad. We’re elevating it with tender seasoned shrimp, imitation (or real!) crab meat, fresh cucumbers, red onions, and a splash of bold, tangy dressing that pulls it all together. It’s creamy, it’s savory, it’s just the right amount of fresh—and it works for everything from cookouts to weeknight dinners.
How To Make Seafood Pasta Salad?
- Boil Tri-Color rotini in salted water until al dente (about 8–12 minutes). Drain, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking, and chill in the fridge while you prep the rest.
- Season peeled and deveined shrimp with Old Bay and all-purpose seasoning. Sauté over medium heat with a little oil for 5–8 minutes until pink and fully cooked. Set aside to cool.
- Dice cucumbers, red onions, and imitation crab meat into small, bite-sized pieces. You can also add sliced olives or cherry tomatoes for extra texture and color.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the chilled pasta, shrimp, crab, cucumbers, onions, and any optional add-ins.
- Pour Zesty Italian dressing over the salad (start with ¾ cup and add more if needed). Gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors come together and makes it extra refreshing.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Add halved cherry tomatoes or chopped bell peppers for more color and crunch.
- Want extra creaminess? Stir in a spoonful of mayo or Greek yogurt.
- Make it spicy with a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne.
- Swap crab with lump crab or even lobster for a more luxurious twist.
How to Store It
- Leftovers? Lucky you! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a stir before serving—the pasta may soak up some of the dressing.
This seafood pasta salad recipe is more than a side dish—it’s a vibe. Light, zesty, and packed with fresh seafood flavor, it’s the kind of recipe that disappears fast and gets requested again and again. So whether you’re headed to a cookout, prepping for a picnic, or just need a no-fuss dinner, this salad’s got you covered.
Seafood Pasta Salad
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Large Serving Bowl
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 12 Oz Tri-Color Rotini
- 2 Cucumbers Diced
- 1 Red Onions Diced
- 1/2 Cup Olives
- 8 Oz Imitation Crab Chopped
- 1 Lb Shrimp Peeled & Deveined
- 1 Tbsp AP Seasoning
- 1 Tbsp Old Bay
- 16 Oz Olive Garden Zesty Italian Dressing
- Salt
Instructions
- Dice the cucumbers, red onions, and imitation crab meat. Set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook for 8–12 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and place in the refrigerator to chill completely.
- Season shrimp with all-purpose seasoning and Old Bay. Sauté in a skillet over medium heat for 5–8 minutes, or until fully cooked. Set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the chilled pasta, cucumbers, red onions, olives, imitation crab, and cooked shrimp.
- Pour the Zesty Italian dressing over the salad. Gently fold everything together with a spatula until well coated.
- Taste the salad and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve & Enjoy!
Looks delicious