Name: Creamy Seafood Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta; 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 cup imitation crab meat, chopped; 1/2 cup diced celery; 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper; 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste

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Creamy Seafood Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for warm-weather gatherings. This chilled salad features tender bowtie pasta, succulent shrimp and crab, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy, creamy dressing seasoned with Old Bay. It’s a delightful and satisfying addition to potlucks, BBQs, and summer feasts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta salad is both light and indulgent—cool, creamy, and filled with fresh textures. The combination of seafood and crisp veggies makes it feel upscale, while the creamy dressing provides comfort and balance. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time, travels well, and complements a wide variety of dishes, making it a reliable favorite for entertaining or meal prepping.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Bowtie (farfalle) pasta
Cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
Imitation crab meat, chopped
Celery, diced
Red bell pepper, diced
Green onions, thinly sliced
Mayonnaise
Sour cream
Lemon juice
Old Bay seasoning
Salt and pepper

directions

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked shrimp, chopped crab meat, diced celery, red bell pepper, and green onions.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Pour the dressing over the pasta and seafood mixture. Toss well to coat all ingredients evenly.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend and the salad to chill thoroughly.
Serve cold, garnished with extra green onions or fresh herbs if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Calories: Approximately 340 kcal per serving

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the dressing.
Different Seafood: Substitute with lump crab meat, lobster, or scallops for a richer version.
Herb Boost: Add fresh dill, parsley, or chives for extra flavor.
Greek-Inspired: Use a yogurt-based dressing and toss in cucumbers and olives.
Low-Carb Option: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower florets.

storage/reheating

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish is best served cold and does not require reheating. Stir before serving to refresh the texture and redistribute the dressing.

FAQs

Can I use fresh crab meat instead of imitation?

Yes, fresh crab meat is an excellent substitute and will elevate the dish further.

Is it necessary to rinse the pasta?

Yes, rinsing cools the pasta quickly and prevents it from sticking together.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate to allow flavors to develop.

What other pasta shapes can I use?

Rotini, penne, or shells work well in place of bowtie pasta.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just ensure it’s thawed, cooked, and drained well before adding.

Is this salad good for outdoor events?

Yes, but keep it chilled and out of direct sunlight to maintain food safety.

What pairs well with this salad?

Serve alongside grilled meats, corn on the cob, or a fresh green salad.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, substitute sour cream with a dairy-free alternative or extra mayo.

What’s a good substitute for Old Bay?

A mix of celery salt, paprika, and a touch of cayenne can mimic Old Bay flavor.

How do I keep the dressing from becoming watery?

Drain all ingredients well, especially seafood and vegetables, before mixing.

Conclusion

Creamy Seafood Pasta Salad is a cool, satisfying dish perfect for summertime meals and gatherings. It combines the freshness of seafood with the richness of a creamy dressing and the bite of crisp vegetables. Easy to customize and quick to prepare, this pasta salad is a delicious and versatile choice for any occasion.

Creamy Seafood Pasta Salad

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Author: Mia
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

A refreshing cold pasta salad packed with shrimp, crab, crisp veggies, and a creamy, tangy dressing seasoned with Old Bay—ideal for summer gatherings and potlucks.

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, shrimp, crab, celery, bell pepper, and green onions.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Old Bay, salt, and pepper.
Pour dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat evenly.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
Serve chilled, garnished with additional green onions or herbs if desired.