If you’re looking for a dish that’s equal parts refreshing, indulgent, and downright irresistible, let me introduce you to Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab. This is not your average pasta salad—think tender shrimp, sweet crab, crisp veggies, and a creamy, zesty dressing that ties everything together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re hosting a backyard picnic, planning a light lunch, or searching for a vibrant side for your next gathering, Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab is destined to become your new go-to favorite. It’s a celebration of flavors and textures that always impresses and never disappoints!

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity—each ingredient brings something special to the table, from pops of color to irresistible flavor and crunch. When you combine them, you get a Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab that’s as stunning as it is delicious.
- Rotini or elbow pasta (8 oz): These shapes are perfect for catching every bit of creamy dressing and seafood in each bite.
- Cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined (½ lb): Plump, juicy shrimp add a hearty, ocean-fresh bite to the salad.
- Imitation crab meat or lump crab meat, chopped (½ lb): For sweetness and that unmistakable seafood flair—use real crab if you feel fancy!
- Celery, finely chopped (1 cup): Adds a crisp, refreshing crunch that balances the creamy dressing.
- Red bell pepper, diced (½ cup): Bright and sweet, this brings a beautiful burst of color and flavor.
- Red onion, finely diced (¼ cup): Just enough bite to make things interesting without overpowering the seafood.
- Mayonnaise (¾ cup): The creamy backbone of the dressing—rich and satisfying.
- Sour cream (2 tbsp): Adds tang and lightness to keep the dressing from feeling too heavy.
- Dijon mustard (1 tbsp): For a gentle kick and subtle complexity that wakes up the flavors.
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp): The acidity brightens the seafood and lifts the whole salad.
- Old Bay seasoning (1 tsp): This classic seafood seasoning is essential for that signature flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season carefully to let all the ingredients shine.
- Fresh dill or parsley, chopped (2 tbsp), for garnish: A final sprinkle of green for freshness and a pop of color.
How to Make Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your rotini or elbow pasta and cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This quick rinse stops the cooking process and ensures your salad stays cool, light, and perfectly textured.
Step 2: Prepare the Seafood and Veggies
While your pasta is cooling, get your seafood and veggies ready. Make sure your shrimp are cooked, peeled, and deveined, and chop your crab meat into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the celery, dice the red bell pepper, and mince the red onion. These colorful, crunchy veggies add contrast and freshness to every forkful of Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab.
Step 3: Mix the Salad Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the shrimp, crab meat, celery, red bell pepper, and red onion. Toss gently to distribute everything evenly—this is where the magic starts to happen as the seafood and veggies mingle together.
Step 4: Whisk the Creamy Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. The dressing should be creamy and smooth, with just the right balance of tangy, zesty, and savory notes, perfect for coating every ingredient.
Step 5: Combine and Chill
Pour the dressing over your pasta and seafood mixture. Using a spatula or large spoon, toss everything gently until all the pieces are evenly coated in that luscious, flavorful dressing. Cover the bowl and let the Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour—this gives the flavors time to marry and the salad to firm up for the best texture.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Right before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and sprinkle generously with fresh chopped dill or parsley. The herbs add a final flourish and a burst of color, making every serving as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Serve Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab

Garnishes
A handful of fresh dill or parsley is the classic choice, but don’t be afraid to add a squeeze of lemon, a dusting of extra Old Bay, or even a few lemon zest curls. These touches brighten the flavors and make your Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab pop on the plate, inviting everyone to dig in.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with warm, crusty bread, a simple green salad, or even some grilled vegetables. If you’re serving it for a picnic, fresh fruit or a tangy slaw are also wonderful companions. The light, creamy nature of Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab makes it a team player at any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, serve the salad in a chilled glass bowl so everyone can admire the colorful layers. Or, scoop it into lettuce cups for an elegant appetizer. Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab is also fantastic served in individual mason jars or small cups for grab-and-go convenience at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab to an airtight container and keep it refrigerated. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Give it a gentle stir before serving again, and add a little extra mayo or lemon juice if it needs reviving.
Freezing
Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing can change the texture of the seafood and make the dressing separate. If you must freeze it, do so before adding the dressing and seafood, then mix everything together after thawing and just before serving.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold, so there’s no need to reheat. If you prefer it at room temperature, simply let it sit out for a few minutes after removing from the fridge. The flavors will become even more pronounced as it warms slightly.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini and elbow pasta are classics for holding onto the creamy dressing, you can swap in shells, penne, or even bowties. Just aim for a shape that will scoop up plenty of those shrimp and crab pieces.
Is it okay to use frozen seafood?
Yes, frozen shrimp and crab work well—just make sure they’re fully cooked and cooled before adding them to the salad. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and pat dry to avoid excess water in your Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab.
How can I make this salad lighter?
For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. It keeps the dressing creamy while reducing calories and adding a little extra tang. You’ll still get all the delicious flavors of Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab!
Can I make this salad a day ahead?
Definitely! In fact, letting it chill overnight allows the flavors to meld even more. Just wait to add the fresh herbs until right before serving for the brightest color and flavor.
What can I use instead of Old Bay seasoning?
If you don’t have Old Bay, try using a combination of celery salt, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne. This will mimic the signature savory-spicy flavor that makes Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab so special.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the fresh, vibrant taste of Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab to bring a touch of coastal magic to your table. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to try it—let your next meal be a celebration with this irresistible salad!
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Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Crab Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling, Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and flavorful Seafood Pasta Salad featuring tender shrimp and crab mixed with crisp vegetables and a tangy, creamy dressing. Perfect for summer picnics and light meals, this salad combines al dente rotini pasta with fresh celery, red bell pepper, and a zesty dressing enhanced with Old Bay seasoning and lemon juice.
Ingredients
Seafood & Pasta
- 8 oz rotini or elbow pasta
- ½ lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ lb imitation crab meat or lump crab meat, chopped
Vegetables
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
Dressing
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill or parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the rotini or elbow pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
- Combine seafood and vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, peeled and deveined shrimp, chopped crab meat, finely chopped celery, diced red bell pepper, and finely diced red onion. Mix gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Prepare the dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth and well blended.
- Toss the salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and seafood mixture. Toss gently to coat all ingredients thoroughly without breaking up the seafood.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, stir the salad again, garnish with freshly chopped dill or parsley, and serve cold for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can use either fresh or frozen seafood; ensure it is fully cooked and cooled before adding to the salad.
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce calories and fat.
- This salad is best served cold and can be made a few hours ahead of time for convenient meal prep.
- Adjust the Old Bay seasoning and lemon juice to taste based on your preferred flavor intensity.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 120mg