Best 20 Crab Pasta Salad Recipes

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Indulge in a delightful symphony of textures and flavors with a crab pasta salad that captivates your taste buds. This delectable dish combines succulent crab meat, tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing, creating a refreshing and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. With a few simple steps, you can craft a culinary masterpiece that offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it a favorite among seafood enthusiasts and pasta lovers alike.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

PASTA CRAB SALAD



Pasta Crab Salad image

"When it comes to cooking, I believe the simpler the better," writes Holland, Michigan's Carol Blauw. "A few years ago, a co-worker told me about this colorful, tasty and, most importantly, easy-to-prepare salad," she says. "It has been a favorite at our house ever since."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

4-1/2 cups uncooked tricolor spiral pasta
1 package (16 ounces) imitation crabmeat, flaked
1/3 cup chopped celery
1/3 cup chopped green pepper
1/3 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
1/2 cup reduced-fat ranch salad dressing
1 teaspoon dill weed

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. Toss with crab and vegetables. Combine remaining ingredients. Pour over pasta mixture; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 242 calories, Fat 7g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 15mg cholesterol, Sodium 579mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

CREAMY CRAB AND PASTA SALAD



Creamy Crab and Pasta Salad image

Crabmeat and pasta are tossed with a creamy seasoned sauce in this great chilled salad.

Provided by dakota kelly

Categories     Salad     Seafood Salad Recipes     Crab Salad Recipes

Time 27m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 (12 ounce) package uncooked pasta shells
½ cup light sour cream
½ cup light mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey mustard
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 pound cooked crabmeat
½ cup diced red bell pepper
½ cup diced green bell pepper
½ cup chopped green onions

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta shells 10 to 12 minutes, until al dente, and drain.
  • In a bowl, blend the sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey mustard, and dill. Season with salt and pepper.
  • In a large bowl, toss together the cooked pasta, sour cream mixture, crabmeat, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and green onions. Cover and chill until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 295 calories, Carbohydrate 35.6 g, Cholesterol 54.3 mg, Fat 8.6 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 19.2 g, SaturatedFat 2.2 g, Sodium 504.1 mg, Sugar 3.5 g

IMITATION CRAB AND PASTA SALAD



Imitation Crab and Pasta Salad image

This is a cool and refreshing salad that is great for Summertime. It's a versatile recipe with ingredients that can be modified to your personal tastes.

Provided by MSippigirl

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 30m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 lb imitation crabmeat, roughly chopped
1 cup elbow macaroni, uncooked (or other small shell pasta)
1 medium bell pepper, chopped
1/4 cup celery, chopped (about 1 rib)
1/4 teaspoon onion salt (or more) or 2 tablespoons finely chopped onions
1/4 teaspoon creole seasoning, like Tony Chachere's (or more)
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper or 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1 dash garlic salt
2 tablespoons mayonnaise (or more)
1 tablespoon sour cream (optional)
1 medium tomatoes, seeded and diced (optional)

Steps:

  • Cook pasta as directed on package. Rinse until cool under cold tap water. Leave to drain well in a colander.
  • Chop crab meat in a medium bowl. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, chop all desired veggies. Add pasta and all seasonings. Fold in mayo (and sour cream, if using). Adjust mayo and seasonings to personal taste. Gently fold in the crab meat.
  • Refrigerate. Stir again before serving, adding more mayo if needed.

CRAB AND SHRIMP PASTA SALAD



Crab and Shrimp Pasta Salad image

Imitation crab meat and mini shrimp make for a wonderful pasta salad that everyone loves!

Provided by LLUV7877

Categories     Salad     Seafood Salad Recipes     Shrimp Salad Recipes

Time 35m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 (16 ounce) package uncooked tri-colored spiral pasta
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
¼ cup olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
1 (8 ounce) package imitation crabmeat, flaked
1 (6.5 ounce) can tiny shrimp, drained
1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
1 English cucumber, diced
1 (4 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the pasta, and cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain, and rinse under cold water to cool. Transfer to a large bowl, and set aside.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper. Pour over the pasta and stir to coat. Add the crab, shrimp, tomatoes, cucumber, black olives and bell pepper; mix gently to coat with the dressing. Taste, and adjust seasoning if desired. If the pasta is too dry, mix in more mayonnaise.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 445.6 calories, Carbohydrate 50.9 g, Cholesterol 38.5 mg, Fat 20.6 g, Fiber 3.4 g, Protein 14.2 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Sodium 470.5 mg, Sugar 4.4 g

CRAB MEAT PASTA SALAD



Crab Meat Pasta Salad image

Beth Kist from Chicago, Illinois shares this delightful seafood salad that's ideal for a special luncheon. It's crispy and crunchy with a surprising kick.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1-1/2 cups uncooked medium pasta shells
1/4 cup ranch salad dressing
1/2 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 can (6 ounces) crabmeat, drained, flaked and cartilage removed
1 medium carrot, shredded
1/2 cup sliced water chestnuts, halved
2 green onions, sliced
2 lettuce leaves
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the salad dressing, lemon-pepper and cayenne. Stir in the crab, carrot, water chestnuts and onions., Drain pasta and rinse in cold water. Gently stir into crab mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Serve on lettuce leaves; sprinkle with cheese.

Nutrition Facts :

EASY CRAB PASTA SALAD



Easy Crab Pasta Salad image

This creamy pasta salad is always a must at family gatherings. It is simple to make because there are only a few ingredients.

Provided by fishinwidow

Categories     Salad     Seafood Salad Recipes     Crab Salad Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 (12 ounce) package rotini pasta
1 (10 ounce) package frozen peas, thawed
1 (8 ounce) can water chestnuts, chopped
1 (8 ounce) package imitation crabmeat, coarsely chopped - or more to taste
1 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook the rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes; drain and rinse under cold water.
  • Combine peas, water chestnuts, imitation crabmeat, mayonnaise, chives, and dill in a large bowl; stir until evenly mixed. Add cooled pasta and mix until coated.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 177.6 calories, Carbohydrate 33.6 g, Cholesterol 3.7 mg, Fat 2 g, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 6.2 g, SaturatedFat 0.1 g, Sodium 372.6 mg, Sugar 7.8 g

FAVORITE CRAB PASTA SALAD



Favorite Crab Pasta Salad image

Wanda, a lady at work, made this for a party and boy, did it catch on fast! It's especially good for summer picnics and barbecues. -Cheryl Seweryn, Lemont, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 7 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

3 cups uncooked medium pasta shells
1 pound creamy coleslaw
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon chopped onion
1 teaspoon dill weed
Dash salt
2 cups chopped imitation crabmeat

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large serving bowl, combine the coleslaw, mayonnaise, onion, dill and salt. Stir in crab., Drain pasta and rinse in cold water. Add to coleslaw mixture; toss to coat. Chill until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 376 calories, Fat 20g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 17mg cholesterol, Sodium 508mg sodium, Carbohydrate 39g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 10g protein.

EASY CRAB PASTA SALAD



Easy Crab Pasta Salad image

My mother shared this recipe with me. It's one of my standby meals for a light summer lunch.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

2/3 cup uncooked spiral pasta
1/2 cup crabmeat, drained, flaked and cartilage removed or 1 cup imitation crabmeat
1/3 cup broccoli florets
3 tablespoons chopped seeded tomato
2 tablespoons chopped green pepper
1 tablespoon sliced green onion
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon prepared Italian salad dressing
1/4 teaspoon grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. In a bowl, combine the pasta, crab, broccoli, tomato, green pepper and green onion. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, salad dressing and Parmesan cheese. Pour over salad mixture; toss gently to coat.

Nutrition Facts :

PASTA SALAD WITH IMITATION CRAB



Pasta Salad with Imitation Crab image

Delicious imitation crab pasta salad! Can be halved.

Provided by janet

Time 2h35m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 (16 ounce) package shell pasta
1 (16 ounce) package imitation crabmeat, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 (6 ounce) can sliced black olives
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
3 stalks green onions (white and green parts), sliced
3 stalks celery, diced
1 ½ cups nonfat plain yogurt
¼ cup fat-free mayonnaise
1 tablespoon prepared yellow mustard
1 ½ teaspoons salt-free seasoning blend
1 ½ teaspoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon celery salt
¼ cup Italian vinaigrette

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add shells and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 9 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  • Combine drained pasta, imitation crab, olives, bell pepper, green onions, and celery in a very large bowl.
  • Whisk yogurt, mayonnaise, mustard, seasoning blend, soy sauce, and celery salt together in a small bowl. Pour dressing over pasta mixture and stir until well combined.
  • Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 334.5 calories, Carbohydrate 58.3 g, Cholesterol 12.1 mg, Fat 6.1 g, Fiber 3.6 g, Protein 14.3 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 1135.7 mg, Sugar 10.4 g

CRAB PASTA SALAD



Crab Pasta Salad image

Make and share this Crab Pasta Salad recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Chef XrayCarm

Categories     Crab

Time 13m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1/2 lb macaroni or 1/2 lb shell pasta
1 lb imitation crabmeat
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 tomatoes, chopped
1/4 onion, finely chopped
1 cup cheddar cheese cube
1/2 lemon, juice of
1 teaspoon garlic salt
pepper

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to directions.
  • Mix pasta and other ingredients.
  • Enjoy!

CAJUN CRAB AND SHRIMP PASTA SALAD



Cajun Crab and Shrimp Pasta Salad image

This is a spin on the popular dish seafood salad. you can still call it that but there are only two meats so I kept it simple. This is for the seafood lovers who like it spicy.

Provided by Shema P.

Categories     Cajun

Time 40m

Yield 20 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 (16 ounce) box cooked macaroni noodles
3 lbs medium unshelled shrimp
1 lb of real crabmeat (claw or lump)
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon spicy mustard
1/2 cup butter or 1/2 cup margarine
1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon Accent seasoning
1 tablespoon Mrs. Dash seasoning mix
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 cup sweet relish
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Steps:

  • 1. Melt stick of butter in a saute pan and add garlic to taste.
  • 2. Saute the shrimp over medium heat until no longer pink and add the cajun seasoning to taste. Remove from heat. Then add the crab meat, Mix well and set aside.
  • 3. Add cooked pasta to a large mixing bowl along with chopped onion and mayo and sour cream.
  • Now add, Onion powder, Garlic powder, Accent, Mrs. Dash and Sweet Relish and mix well. ALL SPICES ARE TO TASTE. DO NOT ADD ANY SALT TO PASTA MIX AS THE MEAT WILL ADD SALT.
  • Add the meat mixture to the pasta mixture and mix well. If you. Eed to add more MAYO do no now.
  • Transfer to a serving bowl and top with Cayenne pepper. Chill 2-3 hours and serve cold.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 225, Fat 8.1, SaturatedFat 4.4, Cholesterol 113.4, Sodium 684.1, Carbohydrate 20.6, Fiber 0.9, Sugar 2.9, Protein 16.8

FRUITY CRAB PASTA SALAD



Fruity Crab Pasta Salad image

A sweet ginger dressing spices up this tasty medley of oranges, grapes, crabmeat and pasta. It's an ideal warm-weather entree. -Darlene Jurek, Foley, Minnesota.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

3/4 cup uncooked spiral pasta
1 package (8 ounces) imitation crabmeat
1 snack-size cup (4 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
1/4 cup halved seedless red grapes
1/4 cup halved seedless green grapes
1/4 cup reduced-fat plain yogurt
2 tablespoons fat-free mayonnaise
1-1/2 teaspoons honey
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. In a small bowl, combine the pasta, crab, oranges and grapes., Combine the yogurt, mayonnaise, honey and ginger; pour over salad and toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 322 calories, Fat 2g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 59mg cholesterol, Sodium 215mg sodium, Carbohydrate 55g carbohydrate (20g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 21g protein.

CRAB PASTA SALAD



Crab Pasta Salad image

This salad has a very good blend of flavors. It's easy to make and especially delicious on a hot day.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 cups uncooked medium shell pasta
1-1/2 cups imitation crabmeat, chopped
1 cup fresh broccoli florets
1/2 cup diced green pepper
1/2 cup quartered cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped green onions
DRESSING:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup creamy Italian salad dressing
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. Place in a large bowl. Stir in crab, broccoli, green pepper, tomatoes and onions. , For dressing, combining dressing ingredients; pour over salad and gently toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 2-4 hours.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 370 calories, Fat 20g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 14mg cholesterol, Sodium 488mg sodium, Carbohydrate 36g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 11g protein.

FLAVORFUL CRAB PASTA SALAD



Flavorful Crab Pasta Salad image

"After enjoying this recipe for years, I substituted fat-free mayonnaise and reduced-fat dressing one day," shares Heather O'Neill from Dudley, Massachusetts. "I was just delighted to find it kept all the same wonderful flavor!"

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

8 ounces uncooked spiral pasta
1 package (8 ounces) imitation crabmeat, chopped
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
1 cup fresh broccoli florets
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/4 cup sliced green onions
3/4 cup fat-free mayonnaise
1/3 cup reduced-fat Italian salad dressing
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, crab, peas, broccoli, green pepper and onions. Combine the mayonnaise, salad dressing and Parmesan cheese; pour over pasta mixture and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or until chilled.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 251 calories, Fat 5g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 10mg cholesterol, Sodium 746mg sodium, Carbohydrate 42g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

CARIBBEAN CRAB PASTA SALAD



Caribbean Crab Pasta Salad image

This is made with imitation crabmeat. Haven't tried it with the real thing, but it might be even better. Chill time is 2 hours.

Provided by ratherbeswimmin

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 35m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 cups uncooked rotelle pasta
1 (8 ounce) package refrigerated flake-style imitation crabmeat
1 medium red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
1 mango, peeled,seeded,and cubed
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded,and finely chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon lime zest
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
salt

Steps:

  • To make honey lime dressing: add all dressing ingredients to a small bowl; stir to mix well; set aside.
  • Cook pasta according to the package directions; rinse and drain.
  • In a mixing bowl, add cooked pasta, crabmeat, bell pepper, mango, jalapeno pepper, and cilantro; stir to mix.
  • Pour dressing over pasta salad and gently toss to coat.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste if needed; cover and chill 2 hours before serving.

FAMILY FAVORITE CRAB PASTA SALAD (QUICK & EASY)



Family Favorite Crab Pasta Salad (Quick & Easy) image

This is a wonderful, tasty, semi-homemade, go-to salad recipe that I use often in the spring and summer. Delicious as a side salad, light lunch or potluck dish when you are asked to bring a salad. Can be made as a light, healthy, low-cal dish by simply swapping out the full-fat mayo with light or fat-free mayo. Feel free to add...

Provided by Family Favorites

Categories     Salads

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 7

8 oz. uncooked medium pasta shells
1 lb. your favorite prepared creamy coleslaw (or your own recipe)
1/2 cup mayonaise
1 tbsp. chopped onion
1 tsp. dill weed
dash of salt & pepper (depending on how salty your coleslaw is)
2 cups crab meat, imitation crab meat or small, cooked shrimp

Steps:

  • 1. So easy! Cook pasta according to package instructions. In large bowl, combine coleslaw, mayo, onion, dill and salt and pepper (if using). Gently stir in crab meat.
  • 2. Drain pasta and rinse in cold water. Add to coleslaw mixture. Toss to coat. Chill until ready to serve.

QUICK CRAB PASTA SALAD



Quick Crab Pasta Salad image

This medley of crab, pasta and vegetables in a creamy dressing make this a special salad for company as well as everyday. -Estelle Hardin, Kanab, Utah

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 6-8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 cups uncooked tricolor spiral pasta
2 cups imitation crabmeat, chopped
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
3/4 teaspoon celery seed
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Pepper to taste
1 cup fresh broccoli florets
1 cup fresh cauliflowerets

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. In a bowl, combine the crab, sour cream, mayonnaise, celery seed, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Stir in the pasta, broccoli and cauliflower. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts :

PEA 'N' CRAB PASTA SALAD



Pea 'n' Crab Pasta Salad image

This pretty pasta salad is jazzed up with crabmeat, spinach and peas. With crumbled feta and just the right amount of Italian dressing, it makes a hearty side dish or a satisfying main course served with bread alongside. -Test Kitchen

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 6

2-1/2 cups uncooked medium pasta shells
2-1/2 cups fresh baby spinach
1 package (10 ounces) frozen peas, thawed
1-1/2 cups imitation crabmeat
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup Italian salad dressing

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the spinach, peas and crab. Drain pasta and rinse in cold water. Stir into spinach mixture. Sprinkle with feta cheese. Drizzle with dressing and toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 285 calories, Fat 5g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 6mg cholesterol, Sodium 465mg sodium, Carbohydrate 46g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 13g protein.

CRAB PASTA SALAD



Crab Pasta Salad image

Saw this recipe on Taste of Home and had to try it. Their recipe called for a creamy Italian Salad Dressing and I used a Lite version, and called for 1 cup fresh broccoli florets, which was the only thing I did not have on hand, so I left it out. This salad is so quick and easy and is perfect for a hot summer day. So quick and easy, perfect for a Hot Summer Day! It is sure to be a family favorite and the summer has just begun!

Provided by lesliecoy

Categories     Low Cholesterol

Time 20m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 cups medium pasta shells
1 1/2 cups imitation crabmeat, shredded
1/2 cup green pepper, diced
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
1/4 cup green onion, chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup Italian salad dressing, Lite
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. Place in refrigerator to cool.
  • When pasta is cool, stir in crab, green pepper, tomatoes and onions.
  • For dressing, combining dressing ingredients; pour over salad and gently toss to coat.
  • Cover and refrigerate for 2-4 hours.
  • When serving if salad seems a tad dry add a little more Italian Salad Dressing.
  • Sliver Parmesan Cheese over the top and serve with warm Italian Bread and more salad dressing for dipping.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 430, Fat 16.9, SaturatedFat 3.5, Cholesterol 30.2, Sodium 1174.7, Carbohydrate 55, Fiber 2.5, Sugar 10.7, Protein 15.1

JENNIFER'S CRAB PASTA SALAD



Jennifer's Crab Pasta Salad image

This colorful pasta salad is a tasty side dish that is great to take to partys or a cookout. By using the fake crab, it is an inexpensive salad to fix.

Provided by Crazycook in PA

Categories     Crab

Time 22m

Yield 9 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 cups cooked tri-colored pasta
1 1/2 cups imitation crabmeat, chopped
1 medium onion, minced
1 large tomatoes or 14 ounces diced tomatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 red pepper, diced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup original ranch dressing

Steps:

  • Cook pasta in boiling water until done and drain.
  • Chop up crab meat into 1/2 inch pieces and place in bowl.
  • Add rest of ingredients and mix thoroughly.
  • Chill.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 229.4, Fat 18.1, SaturatedFat 4.9, Cholesterol 29.6, Sodium 690, Carbohydrate 10.6, Fiber 1.1, Sugar 4.7, Protein 6.8

Tips:

  • Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will have a big impact on the flavor of your salad. Look for crab that is firm and has a sweet, briny smell. Use fresh vegetables and herbs for the best flavor.
  • Cook the pasta al dente: Al dente means "to the tooth" in Italian, and it refers to the ideal texture of cooked pasta. Pasta that is cooked al dente is still slightly firm to the bite and has a slight chew to it. This will help the pasta hold its shape and prevent it from becoming mushy in the salad.
  • Flake the crab meat: Flaking the crab meat will help it to distribute evenly throughout the salad. You can flake the crab meat with your fingers or use a fork.
  • Chop the vegetables and herbs finely: This will help them to blend in with the other ingredients and prevent them from overpowering the flavor of the crab.
  • Use a light, flavorful dressing: A heavy dressing will weigh down the salad and make it less refreshing. A simple vinaigrette or lemon-herb dressing is a good choice.
  • Chill the salad before serving: This will help the flavors to meld and the salad will be more refreshing.

Conclusion:

Crab pasta salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. It is also a great way to use up leftover crab meat. With its combination of fresh crab, tender pasta, and crisp vegetables, this salad is sure to please everyone at your table.

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