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Crab Pasta Salad

Crab Pasta Salad Easy, Delicious Summer Recipe

This crab pasta salad is classic comfort food made fresh, delicious, and perfect for your next potluck or backyard barbecue.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Pot for cooking the pasta
  • Colander

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni or your favorite small pasta shape
  • 1 cup cooked crab meat fresh, canned, or imitation all work
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup diced cucumber peeled if desired
  • 1/2 cup finely diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup diced celery
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish

For the dressing:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice about half a lemon
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning or your favorite seafood seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cook the pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
  • Once it’s done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool completely while you prep the other ingredients.

Step 2: Prep the veggies and crab

  • While your pasta cools, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and celery into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using fresh crab meat, make sure it’s cooked and shredded into small, manageable pieces. For imitation crab, you can simply chop it into chunks.

Step 3: Make the creamy dressing

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Old Bay seasoning.
  • Taste and adjust with salt and pepper to your preference. The lemon juice adds a bright, zesty kick that pairs perfectly with the crab.

Step 4: Combine everything

  • In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked and cooled pasta with the crab, veggies, and dressing. Make sure everything is evenly coated with that creamy, flavorful dressing.

Step 5: Chill and serve

  • Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld and makes the salad even more refreshing.
  • When ready to serve, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.