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Crab Pasta Salad

Delicious Crab Pasta Salad for the Perfect Summer Picnic

This Crab Pasta Salad is a refreshing, easy-to-make dish perfect for summer picnics.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 450 grams Pasta shells can substitute with penne, fusilli, or orecchiette
  • 6 pieces Mini bell peppers sliced; can replace with one cup of any diced bell peppers
  • 1/4 cup Chives freshly chopped; avoid dehydrated
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise for the creamy dressing
  • 1/2 cup Italian salad dressing opt for oil-based for best flavor
  • 1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning essential for seafood taste
  • 1 teaspoon Celery salt or swap with diced celery
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground black pepper adjust to taste
  • Flaked imitation crab thawed if previously frozen
  • Parsley freshly chopped for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Colander
  • spatula
  • large pot

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of mayonnaise, 1/2 cup of Italian salad dressing, 1/4 cup of freshly chopped chives, 1 tablespoon of Old Bay seasoning, 1 teaspoon of celery salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper until smooth and creamy.
  2. In another bowl, flake the imitation crab with a fork, ensuring a well-flaked mix for even dressing coverage.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add 450 grams of pasta shells, and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water.
  4. Add the cooled pasta and 6 sliced mini bell peppers to the bowl with the flaked crab and fold gently.
  5. Pour the creamy dressing over the combined ingredients and fold until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding a pinch of salt to enhance flavors.
  7. Transfer the salad into an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  8. Once chilled, gently stir the salad and serve in bowls, garnishing with chopped parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 15gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This salad can be stored in the fridge for up to three days, making it a convenient make-ahead recipe for any occasion.

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