Crabmeat-Shrimp Pasta Salad
A refreshing seafood pasta salad combining tender shrimp, lump crabmeat, and a zesty dressing, perfect for light lunches, picnics, or summer gatherings with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. shrimp ⓘ
- 6 oz. seashell macaroni ⓘ
- 1 cup thinly sliced celery ⓘ
- 1/2 medium green pepper, chopped fine
- 1/2 small purple onion, chopped
- 1 Tbsp. chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Italian salad dressing ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried whole oregano, crushed ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 8 oz. lump crabmeat, drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Boil, peel, and devein the shrimp; set aside.
- Cook the seashell macaroni according to package directions, omitting salt.
- Drain the macaroni.
- Rinse the macaroni with cold water and drain again.
- Add sliced celery, chopped green pepper, chopped purple onion, chopped parsley, and drained crabmeat to the macaroni.
- In a separate bowl, blend mayonnaise, Italian salad dressing, lemon juice, crushed oregano, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Add the dressing to the macaroni mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Stir in the cooked shrimp.
- Cover and chill the salad before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, increase the mayonnaise and add a touch of sour cream. You can substitute fresh shrimp with frozen ones; just ensure they are fully thawed and drained before use. If you like some heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. This dish can also be made ahead and tastes even better when the flavors meld. For more seafood recipes, browse our collection.
Serving Suggestions
This Crabmeat-Shrimp Pasta Salad is perfect for summer gatherings or picnics. Serve it alongside crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Heavenly Broiled Fish for a seafood feast. For a refreshing drink, consider serving it with a chilled glass of white wine or lemonade.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad can be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge. If you prefer it warm, gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crabmeat-Shrimp Pasta Salad contains roughly 273 calories, with 7g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (140% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (104% of the Daily Value), and calcium (81% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1170mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of pasta for this salad?
Absolutely! While seashell macaroni works well, feel free to substitute with rotini, penne, or any short pasta you have on hand. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente for the best texture in your salad.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this pasta salad is great for meal prep! Just assemble the ingredients without the shrimp and dressing, then store them separately. Add the shrimp and dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this pasta salad gluten-free, simply replace the seashell macaroni with a gluten-free pasta alternative. Additionally, ensure that the mayonnaise and Italian dressing you use are certified gluten-free to keep the entire dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).