Description
A creamy seafood pasta salad featuring shrimp and imitation crab, perfect for gatherings and warm summer days.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz small pasta
- 1 cup cooked shrimp
- 1 cup imitation crab meat
- 1 cup celery
- 1 piece red bell pepper
- ½ piece red onion
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- Paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add 12 ounces of small pasta, and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta quickly.
- Chop the vegetables and seafood: Finely dice half a red onion, chop one red bell pepper, slice the celery, and break imitation crab into bite-size shreds. If shrimp are large, halve them.
- Make the dressing: In a bowl whisk together ¾ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine gently: In a large mixing bowl fold the cooled pasta, chopped celery, red pepper, red onion, cooked shrimp, and imitation crab into the dressing.
- Chill to meld flavors: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors deepen and unify.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and paprika if desired before serving, adding a colorful touch.
Notes
Taste as you go and adjust seasoning as needed. Use fresh seafood for the best flavor. Serve cold for optimal enjoyment.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg