What could be better than adding crabmeat to pasta salad? This is the perfect dish for picnics and potlucks.
There is almost no inappropriate occasion to make pasta salad. It can be an appetizer or a side dish, not to mention something that’s perfect for picnics and potlucks. Of course, you can make a traditional Pasta Salad or you can do something special to make it stand out. If you choose the latter, my preference is to add crabmeat — real or imitation. As a seafood lover, I believe there is never a bad time to include crabmeat in a dish. But in the case of crab pasta salad, it takes an already great dish to another level.
The taste and texture of the crabmeat blend perfectly with the other traditional pasta salad ingredients. Veggies like bell pepper and celery provide a little bit of crunch, while the Dijon mustard gives the pasta salad a little bit of tang and zip. Also, the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt ensure the pasta salad is cool and creamy. Amidst all of those flavors, the crabmeat adds another distinct taste that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients, but can be detected in every bite. That’s why I think crabmeat is one of the best ways to improve pasta salad.
Is Crab Pasta Salad Healthy?
Crab pasta salad has plenty of nutritional value. This is especially true if you have access to real crabmeat, which has more lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids than imitation crabmeat. This recipe also has a variety of vegetables like peas, bell peppers, and red onions, which add vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to the dish. However, keep in mind that mayonnaise is high in fat and calories, so if you’re on a low-fat or low-calorie diet, it might be a good idea to use low-fat mayonnaise or reduce the amount you add to the pasta salad.
Real Vs. Imitation Crabmeat
When you eat crab pasta salad, there’s a clear flavor difference between real crabmeat and imitation crab. Not surprisingly, real crabmeat tastes better in this dish. Meanwhile, imitation crab tends to have added preservatives, so it will last longer in the fridge compared to real crabmeat. Naturally, it’s much easier to find imitation crab if you don’t live somewhere known for fresh seafood, so keep all this in mind when you’re choosing which one to use. But don’t forget that real crab will always yield the best results.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover crab pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 days if you’re using real crabmeat. Imitation crab pasta salad can be stored in the fridge for 3-5 days. I don’t recommend freezing it.
Serving Suggestions
As mentioned, crab pasta salad is great for picnics and potlucks. But if you’re making it as a simple side dish, it can be paired with almost anything. If you’re a big fan of seafood, I suggest trying this pasta salad as a side dish for Salmon Burgers or Air-Fryer Salmon Cakes. On the other hand, if that sounds like too much seafood, pair it with Grilled Chicken Tenders instead. I’ve also had great success with this pasta salad as a side dish for Mediterranean Grilled Stuffed Peppers.
Ingredients
- 1 pound medium pasta shells
- 1 pound imitation crabmeat flaked (or crab lump meat)
- 2/3 cup celery finely chopped
- 2/3 cup red bell pepper diced
- 1/2 cup red onion chopped
- 1/2 cup frozen peas thawed
- 3 tablespoons green onion chopped
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 3/4 teaspoon celery salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill plus more for garnish
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, flaked crabmeat, celery, red bell pepper, red onion, peas, and green onions.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery salt, fresh dill, and lemon juice. Adjust the seasonings to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat evenly. Season once more by adding salt and black pepper to taste.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled with additional fresh dill for garnish.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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