If you’re hunting for a salad that screams summer and always turns heads at a potluck, look no further than this vibrant Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab. It’s the kind of dish that’s delightfully creamy, bursting with tender shrimp and sweet crab meat, and brightened up with zesty lemon, crunchy veggies, and a touch of Old Bay magic. Trust me—one spoonful in, and you’ll understand why this has become my personal go-to for everything from family gatherings to solo lunches on a sunny patio. It’s refreshing, satisfying, and packed with flavor in every bite!

Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab plays its own special role—some add crunch, others bring creaminess, and all help create that gorgeous color and unbeatable taste. Even better: the list is short and straight to the point, so you can whip up something showstopping with things you probably already have on hand!

Rotini or elbow pasta (8 ounces): These shapes catch all the creamy dressing and mix-ins, making every bite exciting and textural.
Cooked shrimp (½ pound, peeled, deveined, and chopped): Juicy shrimp give the salad its signature seafood sweetness and satisfying protein punch.
Imitation crab meat or real lump crab (½ pound, chopped): Either option brings a subtle, sea-kissed flavor—real crab makes it extra indulgent.
Celery (1 cup, finely diced): Adds a refreshing crunch that keeps each bite light and fresh.
Red bell pepper (½ cup, diced): Bright color and sweet bite make this salad pop visually and flavor-wise.
Red onion (¼ cup, finely diced): For zing, color, and that gentle oniony warmth.
Mayonnaise (¾ cup): The luscious base for the dressing, tying everything together smoothly.
Sour cream (2 tablespoons): Adds a tangy richness that brightens up the whole mix.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Fresh acidity that lifts the seafood and wakes up the flavors.
Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): A little punch of sharpness for delicious depth and balance.
Old Bay seasoning (½ teaspoon): That classic seafood spice blend—absolutely essential for authentic coastal flavor.
Garlic powder (¼ teaspoon): Subtle savoriness that plays quietly in the background.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Season to perfection for a salad that pops.
Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped, for garnish): A sprinkle of green for a finishing touch of freshness and color.

How to Make Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab

Step 1: Cook and Chill the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add your rotini or elbow pasta. Cook it just until al dente for the best texture—nobody wants mushy noodles here! Once it’s ready, quickly drain and rinse under cold water. This not only stops the cooking in its tracks but also cools your pasta down, so it’s perfect for mixing without wilting the veggies or seafood.

Step 2: Prep the Seafood and Veggies

As your pasta cools, grab a large bowl and gently combine the cooked, chopped shrimp and crab meat. Add in the finely diced celery for crunch, the red bell pepper for sweet brightness, and the red onion for a punch of color and mild tang. Toss everything together so the seafood and veggies are evenly distributed—every forkful should get a bit of everything!

Step 3: Make the Creamy Dressing

Now comes the flavor magic. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, plus a good pinch of salt and pepper. This creamy, dreamy dressing is what turns a bunch of ingredients into an irresistible Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab. Taste and tweak the seasoning to your liking.

Step 4: Combine It All

Add the cooled pasta right into the bowl with your seafood and veggies. Pour the dressing over the top and, using a big spoon or spatula, gently toss until every ingredient is coated in that flavorful sauce. Be gentle so you don’t break up the shrimp or crab. The salad should look creamy but not soupy, and every ingredient should glisten.

Step 5: Chill to Perfection

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour—longer if you have the time! This step lets all those fresh, zesty, briny flavors meld together, so each bite is perfectly balanced. It’s well worth the wait, I promise.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

When you’re ready to serve, give the Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab a gentle stir and sprinkle plenty of freshly chopped parsley over the top. That vivid green makes the salad look extra inviting and adds a pop of garden-fresh flavor with every bite.

How to Serve Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab

Garnishes

A final flourish of chopped fresh parsley does wonders, but you can get creative! A few extra lemon wedges are lovely for squeezing at the table, or a sprinkle of Old Bay or paprika for a little extra color and kick. Thinly sliced chives or even a dusting of flaky sea salt will take your Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab to the next level.

Side Dishes

This salad is delightful alongside crusty baguette slices (perfect for mopping up extra dressing), or light green salads for more crunch. I also love to pair it with fresh fruit, like watermelon or cantaloupe, especially at summer picnics. For something heartier, add a cup of chilled gazpacho or corn on the cob—it’s a full-on seafood feast!

Creative Ways to Present

For a new twist, scoop your Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab into butter lettuce cups for a fun handheld appetizer, or serve in individual mason jars for easy outdoor entertaining. Try portioning it into hollowed-out tomatoes or avocados for a beautiful brunch presentation. Layering it in a trifle bowl also shows off all the colorful ingredients and gets people talking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If anything, it gets even tastier as the flavors mingle—just be sure to give it a good stir before serving again to refresh the creamy coating.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this salad, since the creamy dressing and fresh vegetables can lose their texture after thawing. Seafood, especially shrimp and crab, tends to get a bit rubbery once frozen and reheated, so enjoy your salad fresh from the fridge for the best results.

Reheating

This is truly a cold salad, so there’s no need to reheat! If you like, you can let it sit out of the fridge for 10–15 minutes before serving so it loses some of the chill and the flavors really shine. If the dressing thickens a bit during storage, stir in a splash of lemon juice or an extra spoonful of mayo to revive the creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Salad

Absolutely! Rotini and elbow are classic, but shells, farfalle, or penne all work great. Just choose a shape with enough nooks and crannies to hold onto the dressing and seafood bits.

Is it possible to make Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab in advance?

Yes! In fact, making it a day ahead allows the flavors to deepen and blend beautifully. Just garnish with parsley right before serving for the freshest look.

Can I use fresh crab instead of imitation crab?

You sure can! Real lump crab will make the salad taste extra rich and luxurious—just be gentle when tossing to keep those delicious chunks intact.

What adjustments can I make for allergies?

If shellfish is an issue, try swapping in cooked chicken for seafood. For a dairy-free version, use your favorite plant-based mayo and yogurt instead of sour cream and mayonnaise.

How long can Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab stay out at a party?

Since it contains seafood and mayonnaise, keep it chilled and avoid letting it sit out for more than two hours. Nestling the serving bowl in a dish of ice is a great trick for picnics and potlucks!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something special about sharing a big, colorful bowl of Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab with friends and family. It’s cool, creamy, and loaded with all the flavors of summer in every bite. Make it once, and you’ll find yourself craving this irresistible salad again and again—so why not treat yourself, and enjoy every forkful!

Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 23 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for summer gatherings. It combines tender pasta with succulent shrimp, crab meat, and crisp vegetables, all tossed in a creamy dressing with a hint of lemon and Old Bay seasoning.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

8 ounces rotini or elbow pasta

Seafood Mixture:

½ pound cooked shrimp (peeled, deveined, and chopped)
½ pound imitation crab meat (or real lump crab, chopped)
1 cup celery (finely diced)
½ cup red bell pepper (diced)
¼ cup red onion (finely diced)

Dressing:

¾ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and chill.
Prepare Seafood Mixture: Combine shrimp, crab, celery, red bell pepper, and red onion in a large bowl.
Make Dressing: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Combine: Add pasta to seafood mixture, pour dressing, and toss gently to coat.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for 1 hour. Garnish with parsley before serving.