Seafood Pasta with Shrimp

This seafood pasta salad with shrimp and crab blends tender pasta with fresh, succulent seafood and crunchy vegetables, all coated in a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s designed to be a light yet satisfying dish that works beautifully for warm-weather lunches, picnics, or a refreshing dinner option. The combination of lemon, dill, and Dijon mustard brings brightness and depth, while chilling enhances the melding of flavors.

I first served this at a beach picnic and the freshness from the lemon and dill immediately made it a standing favorite among friends and family. Now it’s a dish that never fails to impress and refresh.

Ingredients

• Pasta: such as rotini or penne cooked al dente for the ideal firm bite that holds the dressing well
• Cooked shrimp: peeled and ready to use for easy mixing and tender seafood flavor
• Fresh crab meat: carefully checked for shells for a smooth texture and sweet seafood taste
• Celery: finely chopped to add crispness and a subtle fresh bite
• Cherry tomatoes: halved to bring juicy bursts of natural sweetness
• Red onion: finely diced for a gentle sharpness that balances the creaminess
• Good quality mayonnaise: to create the rich and creamy base of the dressing
• Fresh lemon juice: adding bright acidity and balancing the richness
• Dijon mustard: supplying a subtle tang and complexity to the dressing
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to enhance and tie together all the ingredients
• Fresh dill: chopped finely for a beautiful herbal note that lifts the entire salad
• Lemon wedges: served alongside for an extra zesty finish that brightens each bite

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Prepare pasta as directed on the package until al dente. Drain it thoroughly and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy and keeps the salad fresh and light.

Combine the Main Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together the cooled pasta with shrimp, crab meat, celery, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Toss carefully to keep the seafood intact and to ensure even distribution of flavors and textures.

Make the Dressing:

In a separate bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Thorough whisking helps create a balanced dressing that clings nicely to every ingredient.

Dress the Salad:

Pour the dressing over the pasta and seafood mixture. Add the fresh dill and toss gently to coat everything evenly. This step guarantees each bite will have that perfect creamy tang with a fresh herbal aroma.

Chill and Serve:

Place the salad in the refrigerator for at least thirty minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the salad to become beautifully cool and refreshing. Serve cold with lemon wedges on the side for an added burst of citrus.

Save

Fresh dill is my favorite ingredient here. It’s that bright, herbaceous kick that makes the salad memorable. I recall a family barbecue where this dish kept disappearing because everyone kept asking for seconds, delighted by the fresh twist only dill can provide.

Storage Tips

Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within two days for best texture and flavor. For longer storage, keep the dressing separate and mix it in just before serving to avoid soggy pasta.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Swap fresh crab meat for cooked lobster or canned crab if it’s tricky to find fresh seafood
• Replace shrimp with cooked scallops or firm white fish chunks for a different seafood variation
• Use Greek yogurt mixed with mayonnaise to lighten up the dressing without sacrificing creaminess and flavor

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the salad on a bed of mixed greens for an easy and balanced meal
• Accompany with crusty bread or a garlic baguette for a satisfying, complete plate
• Pair with a crisp white wine or a light rosé to complement the delicate seafood notes beautifully

Cultural Context

Seafood pasta salads are a staple in coastal regions where fresh seafood is abundant. They are popular summer dishes that marry Mediterranean flavors such as lemon and herbs with creamy American picnic-inspired dressings. This fusion creates a light yet filling meal ideal for warm weather and casual gatherings.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of pasta works best?

Short, sturdy shapes like rotini or penne hold the creamy dressing well and blend nicely with the seafood and vegetables.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, chilling it for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld and enhances the overall taste and texture.

→ How can I keep the seafood tender?

Use pre-cooked shrimp and fresh crab meat, then gently toss with the dressing to maintain the seafood's texture without breaking it apart.

→ How to boost freshness in the dish?

Adding fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon juice lifts the brightness and balances the creamy texture beautifully.

→ What sides pair well with this salad?

Light sides such as leafy greens or crusty bread complement this chilled pasta combination perfectly.