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Here’s what you need to make the seafood pasta salad with crab and shrimp. Gather these fresh ingredients for a tasty dish. - 8 ounces rotini pasta - 1 cup cooked crab meat, shredded - 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup cucumber, diced - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup green bell pepper, diced - 1/4 cup black olives, sliced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/2 cup mayonnaise - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Using fresh ingredients makes your salad bright and full of flavor. I love to use juicy cherry tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers. They add a nice touch and balance to the seafood. The crab and shrimp bring that ocean taste, making each bite special. The dressing is simple but packs a punch. Mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard mix to create a creamy, tangy base. It coats the pasta and seafood perfectly. You can find the full recipe details in the Coastal Seafood Pasta Salad section. Remember, quality ingredients lead to a great dish. Enjoy shopping and prepping! To cook rotini pasta, boil a large pot of water. Add salt to the water for flavor. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta. Cook it for 9 to 11 minutes. You want the pasta to be tender but still firm. This is called al dente. To check, taste a piece a minute before the time is up. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy. In a large bowl, add the chilled rotini pasta. Now, it's time to add the seafood. Gently fold in the shredded crab meat and the cooked shrimp. Next, chop the vegetables. Slice the cherry tomatoes and cucumber. Finely chop the red onion and green bell pepper. Add the black olives and fresh parsley. Mix all these colorful ingredients together so they blend well. For the creamy dressing, grab a small bowl. Combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Whisk these together until smooth. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. This dressing adds flavor and ties the salad together. Make sure to taste it. A little extra seasoning can make a big difference! Pour the dressing over the pasta and seafood mixture. With a gentle hand, toss all the ingredients together. Make sure everything gets coated in the dressing. This step is key for flavor. After mixing, cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling lets the flavors meld and develop. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. Taste again and adjust the seasoning if needed. To boost flavor in your seafood pasta salad, try adding fresh herbs like basil or dill. These herbs add a bright note and balance the seafood. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a little heat. If you want a twist, swap your dressing. A zesty vinaigrette can give a fresh taste. Another option is a creamy avocado dressing for a rich flavor. Serving is key to impressing your guests. Use a big, colorful bowl to showcase your pasta salad. You can layer the ingredients for a stunning effect. For garnish, fresh parsley or lemon slices can add a pop of color. Consider using glass bowls. They let everyone see the pretty colors of your dish. For easy meal prep, make the pasta salad a day ahead. It tastes even better after chilling. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Pair your salad with crusty bread or a light white wine. These sides complement the seafood well. If you want something lighter, a crisp green salad works great too. {{image_4}} You can easily change this seafood pasta salad. Try adding other seafood like scallops or lobster. They add a rich flavor and great texture. If you want a meatless option, use chickpeas or grilled vegetables. This gives you a fresh, vibrant dish. For a kick, add jalapeños or red pepper flakes. This will spice things up and make it exciting. If you want something sweet, mix in some tropical fruits like mango or pineapple. These fruits complement the seafood well and add a fun twist. Explore these variations to make your seafood pasta salad unique. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe. To keep your seafood pasta salad fresh, use airtight containers. Glass containers work well. They do not hold odors and are easy to clean. You can also use plastic containers, just ensure they seal tightly. Before sealing, let the salad cool completely. This step helps prevent condensation inside the container. Condensation can cause spoilage. In the fridge, your seafood pasta salad lasts about three days. After that, the quality may drop. To know if it’s still good, check for changes in smell or color. If it smells off or looks dull, it’s best to throw it out. Enjoy your salad while it's fresh for the best taste! For more details, check the full recipe. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Place the shrimp in cold water for about 15 minutes. This helps save time and still gives you great flavor. You need about 15 minutes to prep. Cooking the pasta takes around 10 minutes, and mixing everything takes just a few more. In total, you can have this salad ready in about 45 minutes. Seafood pasta salad pairs well with garlic bread and a fresh green salad. You can also serve it with a light soup for a full meal. Absolutely! You can make this pasta salad a day ahead. Just keep it in the fridge. The flavors will blend even better when it sits for a while. To make more servings, simply double the ingredients. If you want to make a smaller batch, cut the ingredients in half. This way, you can easily serve any number of people. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. This seafood pasta salad is tasty and easy to make. We mixed rotini with crab, shrimp, and fresh veggies. The creamy dressing ties it all together. Remember to chill for the best flavor. You can switch up ingredients to make it your own. Store it properly to keep it fresh. With these tips, you’re ready to impress. Enjoy your delicious creation. Let your friends and family savor it too!

Seafood Pasta Salad with Crab and Shrimp

Dive into a refreshing summer treat with this Coastal Seafood Pasta Salad! This delightful dish combines tender rotini pasta with succulent crab meat, juicy shrimp, and vibrant veggies, all tossed in a creamy lemon dressing. Perfect for gatherings or a light meal, it's easy to make and packed with flavor. Ready to impress your taste buds? Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a taste of the coast!
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Ingredients
  

8 ounces rotini pasta

1 cup cooked crab meat, shredded

1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup cucumber, diced

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup green bell pepper, diced

1/4 cup black olives, sliced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package directions, ensuring it remains al dente for the best texture. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to halt further cooking and cool it down.

    In a large mixing bowl, add the chilled rotini pasta, along with the shredded crab meat, cooked shrimp, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, diced green bell pepper, sliced black olives, and freshly chopped parsley.

      In a separate small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until you achieve a smooth and creamy dressing.

        Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and seafood mixture. With a gentle hand, toss all the ingredients together carefully, ensuring that everything is evenly coated with the dressing for maximum flavor.

          Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld and develop fully.

            Before serving, give the pasta salad a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: For an attractive display, serve the pasta salad in a large bowl and garnish the top with additional fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Using clear glass bowls can enhance the presentation, allowing guests to admire the vibrant colors of the ingredients.