This recipe provides instructions for making a vibrant and flavorful Seafood Pasta Salad. This salad typically features cooked pasta, such as egg noodles or rotini, combined with a variety of seafood like shrimp, crab meat (real or imitation), and sometimes other additions like cooked fish or scallops. It’s often mixed with chopped vegetables such as celery, green onions, and bell peppers, and tossed in a creamy and tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and various seasonings. Seafood Pasta Salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish that is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light lunch, offering a delightful combination of textures and the fresh taste of the sea. The image shows a clear glass bowl filled with a colorful pasta salad. The main components visible are spiral pasta (rotini), cooked pink shrimp, white chunks that appear to be imitation crab or other white fish, chopped green celery, and small pieces of red bell pepper. The salad is coated in a creamy, light-colored dressing and garnished with fresh green herbs, likely parsley. The text below the image clearly states “SEAFOOD PASTA SALAD” and lists several ingredients.
The primary component of this salad is cooked pasta. The image shows rotini (spiral-shaped pasta), but the ingredient list mentions egg noodles. Other short pasta shapes like penne, farfalle, or elbow macaroni could also be used.
A key element is the seafood. The image prominently features cooked shrimp. The ingredient list also suggests imitation crab meat (flake style), adding a different texture and flavor. Other seafood options like cooked and flaked white fish (such as cod or haddock) or small pieces of cooked scallops could also be included in variations of this salad.
For vegetables, the recipe includes chopped green onions, which provide a mild oniony flavor, and chopped celery, adding a refreshing crunch. The red pieces visible in the image suggest the inclusion of chopped red bell pepper, which adds sweetness and color, although it is not explicitly listed in the provided ingredients. Other vegetables like diced cucumber or chopped parsley are also commonly added to seafood pasta salads for freshness.
The dressing is typically creamy and tangy. Mayonnaise forms the base, providing richness. Dijon mustard adds a sharp and savory note. Lemon juice contributes brightness and acidity. Dried dill weed is a common herb that complements seafood well. Salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential for seasoning. Some variations might include other flavor enhancers like Old Bay seasoning or a pinch of garlic powder.
The preparation involves cooking the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then rinsing it with cold water and draining it well. The seafood (shrimp, crab meat, flaked fish, etc.) is prepared – shrimp is cooked, crab meat is flaked, etc. The vegetables (green onions, celery, bell pepper if using, etc.) are chopped. In a large bowl, the cooked pasta, seafood, and chopped vegetables are gently combined. In a separate small bowl, the dressing ingredients (mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, dill weed, salt, pepper) are whisked together until smooth. The dressing is then poured over the pasta and seafood mixture and tossed gently until everything is evenly coated. The salad is typically chilled in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving. It can be garnished with fresh herbs like parsley before serving.
Seafood Pasta Salad is best served chilled, allowing the flavors to combine and the salad to be refreshing.
The texture is a pleasant mix of tender pasta, slightly chewy shrimp and crab meat, and the crispness of celery and bell pepper. The creamy dressing coats everything smoothly.
The flavor is a refreshing and savory blend of the sweet seafood, the mild bite of green onions, the fresh crunch of celery, and the tangy, slightly herby dressing with hints of lemon and dill.
Seafood Pasta Salad is a chilled salad made with pasta, various seafood (like shrimp and crab), chopped vegetables, and a creamy, tangy dressing.
The preparation involves cooking and cooling the pasta, preparing the seafood and vegetables, making a dressing, and then combining all the ingredients and chilling.
Ingredients (as listed in the image):
- 8 ounces egg noodles (cooked and cooled)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/3 cup celery, chopped
- 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces imitation crab meat, flake style
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped red bell pepper (as seen in the image, but not listed)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Equipment:
- Large pot (for cooking pasta)
- Colander
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl (for dressing)
- Whisk or fork (for dressing)
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain well again and transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare the Seafood: Ensure the cooked shrimp is peeled and deveined. Flake the imitation crab meat into bite-sized pieces and add it to the bowl with the pasta.
- Chop the Vegetables: Chop the green onions and celery. If using red bell pepper (as seen in the image), chop it into small pieces as well. Add the chopped vegetables to the bowl with the pasta and seafood.
- Make the Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and dried dill weed until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Salad and Dressing: Pour the dressing over the pasta, seafood, and vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Toss gently but thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the Seafood Pasta Salad for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve chilled.
Enjoy this refreshing and easy Seafood Pasta Salad!