The Ultimate Creamy Seafood Pasta Salad: Your New Summer Staple

There is nothing quite like a refreshing chilled pasta salad to brighten up a backyard BBQ, a Sunday brunch, or a simple weekday lunch. But we aren’t talking about your run-of-the-mill, dry macaroni side dish. This Creamy Seafood Pasta Salad is a luxurious, flavor-packed showstopper that combines tender shell pasta, succulent imitation crab, and a zesty, velvety dressing that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

What makes this dish truly irresistible is the perfect balance of textures. You get the soft bite of the pasta, the delicate flake of the seafood, and the crunch of fresh peppers, all tied together by a homemade creamy dressing. It’s savory, slightly sweet, and tangy—a trifecta of taste that makes it impossible to stop at just one serving.

The Ingredient Breakdown

Every element of this recipe serves a specific purpose to ensure the perfect bite. Here is what you will need:

• Shell Pasta (16 oz): The “medium shell” shape is essential. The hollow centers act as little pockets that trap the creamy dressing, ensuring every mouthful is moist and flavorful.
• Imitation Crab (1 lb): Also known as surimi, this provides a mild, sweet flavor and a tender texture that mimics expensive shellfish. Use a mix of flake-style and chunk-style for visual variety.
• Red and Yellow Mini Peppers: These add a vibrant pop of color and a crisp, refreshing crunch. Slicing them into rings makes the dish look professionally prepared.
• Mayonnaise (1.5 cups): This is the heart of the dressing. It provides the rich, silky base that coats the ingredients without becoming oily.
• Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Adding sour cream introduces a subtle tang and lightens the heaviness of the mayo, creating a more balanced flavor profile.
• Old Bay Seasoning: The “secret weapon” for any seafood dish. It brings a complex blend of celery salt, black pepper, and paprika that screams “coastal dining.”
• Fresh Parsley: Finely chopped parsley adds a burst of herbaceous freshness and a beautiful green contrast to the orange and white seafood.
• Lemon Juice & Dill: A splash of acidity is crucial to “wake up” the creamy flavors, while aromatic dill provides a light, herbal finish.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the shell pasta until it is al dente. It is vital not to overcook it, as the pasta will soften slightly once it sits in the dressing.
2. Rinse and Cool: Drain the pasta and immediately rinse it under cold running water. This stops the cooking process and removes excess starch, preventing the salad from becoming gummy.
3. Prepare the Seafood and Veggies: While the pasta drains, chop your imitation crab into bite-sized pieces and thinly slice the mini peppers.
4. Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Old Bay, and dried dill. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and aerated.
5. The Big Toss: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crab, and peppers. Pour the dressing over the top and fold gently with a spatula until every shell is perfectly coated.
6. The Chill Factor: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour. This allows the flavors to meld together and the pasta to absorb the seasoning.

Serving Suggestions

This Seafood Pasta Salad is incredibly versatile. It stands alone as a complete meal, but it also pairs beautifully with:

• Grilled Asparagus for a touch of smoky char.
• Buttery Garlic Bread to soak up any leftover dressing.
• A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light lager to complement the seafood notes.

Would you like me to help you create a printable grocery list or suggest some protein substitutions for this recipe?