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Crab Pasta Salad

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  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Crab Pasta Salad is a light and refreshing dish that combines tender pasta, sweet crab meat, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy dressing. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a quick lunch, this easy-to-make salad is the ideal way to enjoy seafood in a casual and delicious way. Customize with your favorite veggies and spices for a flavor-packed meal!


Ingredients

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni or any small pasta

  • 1 cup imitation crab meat or real crab meat, shredded or chopped

  • 1 cup celery, diced

  • ½ cup red bell pepper, diced

  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped

  • 1 cup mayonnaise

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional, for extra flavor)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.

  • Prepare the vegetables and crab: While the pasta is cooling, chop the crab meat (if using whole crab) and dice the celery, red bell pepper, and red onion.

  • Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined.

  • Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crab meat, diced vegetables, and dressing. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.

  • Chill the salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.

  • Serve: Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and give the salad a quick stir. Serve chilled.


Notes

For a lighter option, substitute some of the mayo with Greek yogurt or sour cream.Add extra vegetables like cucumbers or peas for more texture.To make this salad gluten-free, simply swap in gluten-free pasta.For extra flavor, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or jalapeños for a spicy kick.