Creamy Seafood Pasta Salad – The Ultimate Chilled Summer Favorite
This creamy seafood pasta salad is packed with tender pasta, juicy seafood, crisp vegetables, and a rich, flavorful dressing. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for potlucks, picnics, BBQs, or a light family dinner. Every bite is cool, creamy, and bursting with delicious flavor!
Ingredients
– 1 lb (450 g) rotini pasta, cooked until al dente and cooled
– 1 lb cooked seafood mix (shrimp, imitation crab, or your favorite seafood), chopped into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup celery, finely diced
– 1 cup cucumber, diced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup sweet bell pepper, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley or dill, chopped
Creamy Dressing
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or paprika)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the rotini according to the package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and let it cool completely.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, seafood, celery, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, and fresh herbs.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend.
6. Garnish with extra parsley, a sprinkle of paprika, or a few lemon wedges before serving.
Serving Tips
Serve chilled alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or fresh bread for a satisfying meal. This salad tastes even better the next day, making it an excellent option for meal prep or entertaining guests.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6–8
