If you’re craving a dish that marries the sweet, briny taste of the sea with the comforting chew of pasta, this Seafood Pasta Salad is exactly what your summer table needs. It’s a bright, zesty combination that feels both special and totally approachable—perfect for beginner cooks or anyone looking to whip up something impressive without breaking a sweat. Tender bits of shrimp, flaky crab, and succulent scallops mingle with crisp bell peppers, crunchy celery, and sweet peas. All of this is enveloped in a creamy, lemon-Dijon dressing laced with Old Bay seasoning, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that keeps you coming back for more. Whether it’s lunchtime, dinner, or even a casual appetizer at your next backyard barbecue, this salad checks all the boxes: quick prep (just 25 minutes!), easy cooking (10 minutes on the stovetop!), and a chill-out time (1–2 hours to let those flavors meld).
What I love most is how versatile it is. You can swap in gluten-free pasta or stir in a handful of jalapeños if you want a spicy edge. I remember the first time I made this for a summer picnic—guests hovered around the bowl, forks in hand, praising its refreshing tang and seafood-fresh taste. The leftovers? Even better the next day, once the creamy dressing has soaked into every noodle and nugget of seafood. Clocking in at around 500 calories per serving, it feels indulgent without being heavy. This is exactly the kind of recipe that inspires a friendly back-and-forth in the kitchen: “Pass the lemon juice,” “Add more Old Bay!” It’s a total crowd-pleaser that invites conversation, experimentation, and a happy full belly.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN SEAFOOD PASTA SALAD
Before you dive into the cooking, let’s get to know the stars of the show. Each ingredient plays a key role in building layers of taste, texture, and visual appeal. From the pillowy pasta base to the aromatic herbs, this list ensures every scoop is loaded with bright flavors and satisfying bites.
- Elbow macaroni or preferred pasta
Offers the perfect shape to cradle the creamy dressing and little seafood pieces. Its hollow, curved form lets every bit of mayo-sour cream mixture cling beautifully.
- Cooked shrimp
Brings sweet, tender morsels of ocean flavor. Shrimp adds a satisfying bite and pairs flawlessly with the tangy Dijon-lemon dressing.
- Cooked crab meat (or imitation crab)
Provides flaky, delicate layers that blend with the pasta. Real or imitation crab both shine, contributing natural sweetness.
- Cooked scallops
Adds a buttery richness and slightly chewy texture. These small nuggets elevate the salad with a gourmet touch.
- Celery
Introduces a fresh, crisp crunch and subtle herbal notes. Its fibrous texture contrasts nicely with the softer seafood.
- Red onion
Delivers a sharp, pungent pop of flavor and a beautiful purple hue. Finely chopped, it adds an aromatic zing in every bite.
- Sweet bell pepper
Brings vibrant color and juicy sweetness. Any color works—red, yellow, or orange—all add visual appeal and a mellow crunch.
- Peas
Impart mild sweetness and bright green color. Thawed or fresh, they deliver little bursts of garden-fresh flavor.
- Mayonnaise
Forms the creamy backbone of the dressing, binding everything together with a rich, velvety texture.
- Sour cream
Adds tanginess and smoothness, lightening up the mayo for a perfectly balanced dressing.
- Dijon mustard
Lends a subtle heat and depth of flavor. It enhances the dressing’s complexity without overpowering the seafood.
- Lemon juice
Injects bright citrus zing, cutting through the creaminess and enhancing all the seafood’s fresh notes.
- Old Bay seasoning (or seafood seasoning)
Seasoned with celery salt, paprika, and black pepper—this classic blend ties every ingredient to the sea, giving you that signature coastal flair.
- Salt and pepper
Essential for balancing and elevating flavors. A light hand goes a long way in fine-tuning the taste.
- Fresh parsley
Offers a herbaceous finish and eye-catching green flecks. Its mild flavor uplifts the entire salad.
- Fresh dill (optional)
Provides a fragrant, slightly sweet herb note. Dill optionality lets you customize the herbal profile to your liking.
HOW TO MAKE SEAFOOD PASTA SALAD
Ready to pull this salad together? The process is straightforward and perfect for cooks of any skill level. Follow these detailed steps to ensure your pasta stays tender, your seafood remains succulent, and your dressing is luxuriously creamy.
1. Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes (check package directions). Drain the pasta and immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, then spread it out on a baking sheet or large plate to cool completely.
2. Combine seafood and vegetables
In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped shrimp, crab meat, scallops, finely chopped celery, diced red onion, chopped bell pepper, and thawed peas. Gently mix to distribute the ingredients evenly.
3. Whisk the dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no visible lumps.
4. Dress the salad
Add the cooled pasta to the seafood-vegetable mixture. Pour the creamy dressing over the salad and use a gentle toss technique to coat every piece of pasta and seafood without smashing the delicate scallops or crab.
5. Adjust seasoning
Taste a small spoonful and, if desired, add extra salt, pepper, or a sprinkling of Old Bay seasoning. This ensures your flavor profile is perfectly balanced.
6. Chill to meld flavors
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours. This rest time allows the dressing to infuse every ingredient, marrying all the tastes into one harmonious salad.
7. Garnish and serve
Before serving, give the salad one final stir. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and, if you like, some fresh dill for an extra herbal pop. Serve chilled.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR SEAFOOD PASTA SALAD
Bringing this salad to your table is always a highlight. Whether you’re hosting a family lunch, a casual dinner, or using it as an appetizer for a summer soirée, a few thoughtful touches can elevate the presentation and pairing to restaurant-quality levels.
- Serve on a chilled platter lined with crisp lettuce leaves and lemon wedges for guests to squeeze over their portion. The cool surface keeps the salad fresh and visually appealing.
- Pair with grilled garlic bread or crusty baguette slices brushed with olive oil. The warm, toasty bread contrasts beautifully with the creamy, chilled pasta.
- Offer as a light appetizer by spooning portions into hollowed-out cucumber rounds or endive leaves. This bite-sized presentation is perfect for cocktail parties.
- Complement with a crisp white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) or a homemade iced tea infused with mint and citrus. The bright acidity accentuates the lemon-Dijon dressing and seafood flavors.
HOW TO STORE SEAFOOD PASTA SALAD
Keeping your pasta salad at its peak freshness is key for enjoying leftovers or prepping ahead of time. Here’s how to store it so every serving tastes just as delicious as the first.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Seal the bowl or transfer to a lidded container to prevent odors from other foods infiltrating your salad. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Keep the dressing separate if you plan to store the salad beyond one day. Mix the pasta and seafood-vegetable blend in one container and seal the dressing in another. Combine just before serving to maintain ideal texture.
- Layer in a vacuum-sealed bag for maximum freshness. This method reduces air exposure, preserving flavor and color for about 4 days.
- Avoid freezing the mixed salad. If you must freeze, portion the seafood and pasta separately—freeze the pasta alone and thaw it in the fridge before mixing with fresh seafood and dressing to prevent a soggy texture.
CONCLUSION
From gathering the fresh seafood and vibrant veggies to that magical first bite of zesty, creamy, ocean-kissed goodness, this Seafood Pasta Salad is all about celebrating simple ingredients and warm, casual dining. We’ve walked through each step, from cooking the pasta to whipping up the tangy Old Bay dressing, and even shared tips on serving, storage, and flavor tweaks. This beginner-friendly recipe shines as a lunch star, a dinner sidekick, or a festive appetizer that transforms any gathering into a seaside feast. With a total time of just 35 minutes from start to chill—and about 500 calories per serving—you can feel good about indulging while still keeping things light and refreshing.
Be sure to print this article or save it somewhere handy so you can revisit it every time you need a quick yet impressive dish. Below, you’ll find a FAQ section to help troubleshoot any questions or spark ideas for customizing your own spin on this creamy, Old Bay–laced pasta salad. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Feel free to leave a comment or question, whether you’re curious about ingredient swaps, seasoning adjustments, or just want to share your seafood salad success story. Happy cooking!
Seafood Pasta Salad
Description
Light, refreshing, and full of ocean-fresh flavor, this creamy seafood pasta salad balances sweet bell peppers, peas, and a lemony mayo-Dijon dressing for a crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions, making sure to cook until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, then set aside to cool completely.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, crab meat, scallops, celery, red onion, bell pepper, and peas.
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In a separate small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
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Add the cooled pasta to the seafood and vegetable mixture. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad, gently tossing everything together to coat evenly.
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Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or Old Bay if needed.
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Once everything is well mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Before serving, give the salad a final stir and garnish with fresh parsley and optional dill.
Note
- This dish can be made a day in advance for better flavor absorption.
- For extra crunch, consider adding diced cucumber or a handful of sliced almonds.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta.
- Feel free to swap seafood types based on availability, like using lobster or other shellfish.
- For a spicy kick, add some chopped jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce into the dressing.
