Seafood Pasta Salad
A delightful seafood pasta salad that's easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion, evoking warm memories of childhood summers.
Ingredients
Pasta and Seafood
- 8 ounces pasta (e.g., rotini or penne) These shapes are perfect for holding onto the dressing.
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined Use fresh or frozen, just ensure they’re cooked.
- 1 cup cooked scallops Adds a delicate flavor.
- 1 cup imitation crab meat, shredded Budget-friendly seafood option.
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Sweet freshness.
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced Brings a sharp kick.
- 1/4 cup bell pepper, diced Adds sweetness.
- 1/4 cup celery, diced Adds extra crunch.
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise Base of the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice Brings acidity to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Ties all flavors together.
- to taste salt and pepper Essential for flavor enhancement.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Prep your seafood: ensure shrimp and scallops are cooked and diced vegetables: red onion, bell pepper, celery and halved cherry tomatoes.
Mixing
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, shrimp, scallops, imitation crab meat, cherry tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, and celery.
Dressing
- In a smaller bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combining
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and seafood mixture and toss gently until well coated.
Chilling
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Serving
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
This salad is great cold, but you can lightly heat the seafood if preferred. Customize the dressing to your liking.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4g
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