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
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8 oz elbow macaroni or any small pasta
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1 cup imitation crab meat or real crab meat, shredded or chopped
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1 cup celery, diced
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½ cup red bell pepper, diced
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¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
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1 cup mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional, for extra flavor)
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Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crab meat, diced vegetables, and dressing. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
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Chill the salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
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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.
