Ingredients
Seafood Pasta Salad
- 1/2 pound medium shell pasta
- 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (plus additional for pasta water)
- 6 ounces salad shrimp, thawed and patted dry
- 4 ounces lump crabmeat
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1/4 cup finely chopped white onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Heat a large pot of salted water to boiling over high heat. Add the medium shell pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, rinse it under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down, then drain thoroughly again to remove excess water.
- Prepare Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, granulated sugar, Old Bay seasoning, and kosher salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined, forming the flavorful dressing base.
- Assemble Salad: Add the thawed and dried salad shrimp, lump crabmeat, chopped celery, finely chopped white onion, fresh chopped chives, fresh chopped dill, and the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill for Flavor: For optimal taste, cover the seafood pasta salad and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The salad can be stored refrigerated for up to 2 days before serving.
Notes
- Use salad shrimp that have been thawed and patted dry to avoid excess moisture in the salad.
- Rinsing the pasta under cold water after cooking prevents it from sticking and stops further cooking.
- The salad is best served well chilled to enhance the flavors.
- Old Bay seasoning adds a classic seafood flavor but can be adjusted according to taste.
- For a lighter option, consider reducing the mayonnaise or substituting with a Greek yogurt-based dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
