Seafood pasta salad is one of my favorites! There is nothing more refreshing than a cool and creamy seafood salad. I have an unhealthy obsession with it. There is something about the taste of a freshly made pasta salad that makes everything upside down turn right side up.
I made this salad for a small family get together and it was a big hit. The pasta salad calls for shrimp. FRESH SHRIMP!!! You could use frozen shrimp, but WHY?!?! I am a fan of medium sized to large sized shrimp. I like to cut them in half. This will guarantee that every glorious scoop will be full of seafood flavor. Don’t skimp on the crabmeat, friend. This salad is great by itself and can also be pared with your selected salad greens or crackers. Go for it! You can’t go wrong. This what you will need.
Basic Tools:
2-3 mixing bowls
Large bowl (for presentation and serving)
Mixing spoons
Small food processor
Ingredients:
2 tbs chopped fresh dill (or more to taste)
2 tbs chopped green onion
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 oz lump crab meat (or claw meat)
1 lb fresh shrimp (medium)
½ tsp salt
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
1 tsp granulated sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 cup mayonnaise (use less if not a fan)
16 oz elbow noodles
Directions:
First, fill a large pot with water and turn on high heat. Then, add salt to boiling water. Add a few drops of olive oil too. Next, add you your pasta. Be careful not to overcook the pasta.
In a second pot, fill with water and bring to a gentle boil. Add your preferred seafood boil then add your shrimp. Remove and drain. Set shrimp to the side.
Meanwhile, use a large bowl to whisk mayonnaise, lemon juice, sugar, Old Bay seasoning, and salt until well incorporated and smooth. Next, add shrimp, crabmeat, celery, green onion, and dill to the pasta. Finally, toss until well combined.
I recommend allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving. For best flavor, allow to refrigerate overnight.
* This is the scaled down version. I made a HUGE salad for the get together, so I tripled the recipe.
Xoxo,
Zodie
