Description
A refreshing and creamy Crab Pasta Salad featuring tender rotini pasta, succulent crab meat, and a zesty mayonnaise-based dressing, tossed with crisp celery and sweet red bell pepper. Perfectly chilled for a light and satisfying meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz rotini or penne pasta (uncooked)
Seafood
- 8 oz imitation crab meat or fresh crab meat, shredded
Vegetables
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down for the salad.
- Combine Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with shredded crab meat, finely chopped celery, and diced red bell pepper. Mix gently to blend the ingredients.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Mix Together: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill: Cover the salad with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve: Before serving, optionally garnish the salad with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness. Serve chilled for best taste.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a light mayo alternative.
- Can use fresh crab meat for more authentic flavor or imitation crab for convenience.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and Dijon mustard according to your taste preference.
- This salad can be made a day ahead and tastes even better once the flavors have fully blended.
- Keep refrigerated until serving to maintain freshness and safety.
