Seafood And Pasta Salad
This vibrant Seafood and Pasta Salad combines tender scallops, succulent shrimp, and imitation crab with tri-colored rotini noodles for a delightful dish. It's a perfect choice for summer gatherings or potlucks, offering a refreshing taste that's both hearty and light, pleasing seafood lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the tri-colored rotini noodles, then rinse and place them in a serving bowl.
- Sauté the scallops in olive oil until cooked. Add the scallops along with the cooked shrimp and imitation crab to the noodles.
- Dice the green onions and boiled eggs, then add them to the salad.
- Add mayonnaise to the salad, adjusting the quantity to taste.
- Mix all ingredients together thoroughly.
- Serve and enjoy!
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the scallops in lemon juice and herbs before sautéing. If you don't have tri-colored rotini, any pasta shape will do, but a fun shape makes the dish visually appealing. If you're looking for a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. This seafood salad is versatile, so feel free to add diced bell peppers or celery for extra crunch.
Serving Suggestions
This seafood and pasta salad is perfect as a main dish for a summer picnic or potluck. Serve it chilled alongside a fresh green salad or with crusty bread. For a complete meal, pair it with a light white wine or a refreshing iced tea. It also makes a great side for grilled meats or can be served as part of a seafood buffet.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If the salad seems dry after chilling, add a little more mayonnaise or a splash of lemon juice to refresh it. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the seafood and pasta may not hold up well once thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Seafood And Pasta Salad contains roughly 765 calories, with 16g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1028mg per serving (45% 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 fresh seafood instead of frozen?
Yes, you can absolutely use fresh scallops and shrimp for this recipe. Just ensure they are cooked properly before adding them to the salad. Fresh seafood often has a better texture and flavor, making the salad even more delicious.
How can I make this salad spicier?
To add some heat to your seafood salad, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce into the mix. You could also sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top just before serving for an extra kick.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This seafood salad can be made in advance, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. Just store it in the refrigerator and enjoy it over a couple of days. The flavors meld beautifully, but be mindful of the seafood's freshness.
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).