Description
A refreshing and flavorful Crab Pasta Salad combining tender pasta shells with succulent crab meat, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy Greek yogurt and mayonnaise dressing, seasoned perfectly with Old Bay and dill. This chilled salad makes a perfect light meal or side dish for gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pkg. (16 oz.) medium pasta shells (or other short pasta shape)
Dressing
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
Salad Ingredients
- 16 oz. cooked crab or imitation crab meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 ½ cups celery, finely chopped (about 3 stalks)
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed (briefly rinsed under hot water)
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper (1 bell pepper)
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped (¼ large onion)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8–10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water until fully cooled to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
- Make Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, and dried dill. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning with extra Old Bay, lemon juice, or dill to suit your preference.
- Add Salad Ingredients: To the bowl containing the dressing, add the cooled pasta, bite-sized crab meat, finely chopped celery, thawed peas, diced red bell pepper, and finely chopped red onion.
- Combine: Stir everything thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing. Taste the salad once more and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Chill: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Refrigerate the crab pasta salad for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld together and serve chilled for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh or high-quality cooked crab meat for best flavor, but imitation crab is a budget-friendly alternative.
- Rinsing the cooked pasta under cold water stops the cooking process and keeps the pasta from becoming mushy.
- Adjust Old Bay seasoning carefully; it adds a signature flavor but can be salty.
- This salad can be prepared a day in advance and kept refrigerated.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
