Description
A refreshing and flavorful Crab Pasta Salad featuring tender elbow macaroni, imitation crab, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty homemade dressing seasoned with dill, Old Bay, and lemon juice. Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or a light lunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 8–16 oz imitation crab (1 pack for less crab, 2 packs for more crab in the salad)
- ½ cup frozen peas
- ½ cup red onion, diced
- ½ cup celery, diced
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
Dressing
- 1 ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp dill
- 2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
Garnish
- Chives for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, then rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Drain thoroughly again.
- Prepare dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, dill, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, imitation crab, frozen peas, diced red onion, celery, and red bell pepper. Toss gently to mix.
- Add dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and fold gently until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Season to taste: Taste the salad and add additional salt and pepper as desired to enhance the flavors.
- Garnish and serve: When ready to serve, sprinkle fresh chives over the top for garnish and added flavor.
Notes
- Store leftover crab pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Before serving leftovers, stir well and add a spoonful of mayonnaise if the dressing looks dry or needs refreshing.
- Use fresh crab meat in place of imitation crab for a more authentic seafood flavor if desired.
- Adjust the amount of Old Bay seasoning based on your spice preference.
Keywords: crab pasta salad, imitation crab recipe, cold pasta salad, summer salad, seafood pasta salad, easy pasta salad, Old Bay seasoning salad