Seafood Pasta Salad

Seafood Pasta Salad

Bring Seafood Pasta Salad to your table with an easy method and crowd-pleasing taste. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings alike.

Seafood Pasta Salad captures the essence of drinks while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Seafood Pasta Salad becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
½ cup red onion, finely chopped
½ cup bell peppers, diced (any colour)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey

PREPARATION STEPS

Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it quickly. Set aside.
Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shrimp, crab meat, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and bell peppers.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavours to meld.
Before serving, sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish. Serve cold.
Pro Tips:
Seafood Options: Swap shrimp and crab for cooked scallops or chunks of cooked salmon for variety.
Vegetable Add-Ins: Add avocado, olives, or sweetcorn for extra texture and flavour.
Lighter Dressing: Substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~320 kcal
Protein: ~18g
Carbs: ~35g
Fat: ~12g
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Chill Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

ORIGIN

Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.

META INFOS

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 0 min | Total: 10 min | Servings: 2 | Calories: ~150 kcal | Difficulty: Easy

BENEFITS

Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.

OCCASIONS

Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep

VARIATIONS

Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.

PAIRINGS

Breakfast pastries; Light snacks; Fruit salad

STORAGE

Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.

TIPS

Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.

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