Tangy Seafood Salad
A tangy, seafood pasta salad featuring crab, fresh vegetables, and a creamy mustard dressing, perfect for light lunches or summer gatherings with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook pasta shells according to package directions.
- Drain well.
- Add crab, chopped green onions, cooked peas, and chopped tomatoes to the pasta.
- In a separate bowl, blend together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, vinegar, and ground pepper.
- Carefully fold the dressing into the pasta mixture until well combined.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavors, consider adding a teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning or a squeeze of lemon juice. If crab is unavailable, shrimp or diced canned tuna can be excellent substitutes. For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Ensure the pasta is cooled completely before mixing to prevent the dressing from becoming runny.
Serving Suggestions
This Tangy Seafood Salad is perfect for summer picnics or as a light lunch. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side of fresh fruit. For a complete meal, serve with a light green salad or alongside dishes such as the Simple Saucy Fish Bake. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the pasta from absorbing too much moisture, consider keeping the dressing separate until ready to serve. If you prefer to reheat, do so gently in a microwave, but be aware that the salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tangy Seafood Salad contains roughly 181 calories, with 10g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), iron (23% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. It also contributes 10g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make this seafood salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made a day in advance. Just prepare the ingredients and mix them together, but keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve. This helps maintain the texture of the pasta and prevents it from becoming soggy.
What can I substitute for the crab if I have allergies?
If you have allergies to crab, you can use cooked shrimp or even diced chicken as a substitute. For a vegetarian option, consider omitting the seafood and adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for crunch.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this Tangy Seafood Salad is great for meal prep! Just store it in individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. It stays fresh for several days in the fridge, making it a convenient option for busy weeks.
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).