If summer had a signature pasta salad, this would be it.
This Seaside Pasta Salad combines juicy shrimp, sweet crab, crunchy vegetables, and perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a light and creamy lemon dressing. It’s everything you love about a seafood boil and a classic pasta salad rolled into one delicious dish.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, heading to a family picnic, or simply craving something light and refreshing, this seafood pasta salad is always a crowd-pleaser. The bright citrus dressing highlights the fresh seafood flavors while crisp celery, bell pepper, and green onions add the perfect crunch.
Best of all, this easy pasta salad can be made ahead, making it ideal for entertaining.
More Pasta Salad Recipes You’ll Love
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Loaded with shrimp and crab for authentic seaside flavor
- Perfect make-ahead recipe
- Great for summer parties and potlucks
- Easy to customize with your favorite seafood
- Refreshing lemon-herb dressing
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Delicious served chilled
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 1 pound cooked medium shrimp, peeled and chopped
- 8 ounces lump crab meat
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
How to Make Seaside Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook the rotini according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Add the cooled pasta, shrimp, crab meat, celery, bell pepper, cucumber, green onions, and parsley to the bowl.
Step 4: Toss and Chill
Gently toss until everything is evenly coated in the dressing.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with additional parsley, lemon slices, and a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning before serving.
More Seafood Recipes You’ll Love
Seaside Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This creamy Seaside Pasta Salad is packed with tender shrimp, sweet crab meat, rotini pasta, crisp vegetables, and a tangy lemon herb dressing. It’s the perfect make-ahead seafood pasta salad for summer cookouts, picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and chopped
- 8 ounces lump crab meat
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 4 green onions, sliced
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
For the Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Allow to cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add the cooled pasta, shrimp, crab meat, celery, cucumber, bell pepper, green onions, and parsley to the bowl.
- Gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Garnish with additional parsley, lemon wedges, and a light sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning if desired.
- Serve chilled.
Notes
- Use fresh lump crab meat for the best flavor.
- Make this pasta salad up to 24 hours ahead of serving.
- Pat seafood dry before mixing to prevent excess moisture.
- Rotini, cavatappi, shells, or bowtie pasta all work well.
- For extra seafood flavor, add cooked bay scallops or lobster meat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 MINUTES
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Tips for the Best Seafood Pasta Salad
- Do not overcook the pasta.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
- Pat seafood dry before mixing to prevent a watery dressing.
- Chill for at least one hour before serving.
- Add extra shrimp on top for a beautiful presentation.
Variations
Coastal Seafood Pasta Salad
Add cooked scallops and lobster chunks for an elevated version.
Cajun Seaside Pasta Salad
Add Cajun seasoning and diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Mediterranean Seafood Pasta Salad
Mix in feta cheese, olives, and cherry tomatoes.
Crab Pasta Salad
Skip the shrimp and double the crab meat.
What to Serve With Seaside Pasta Salad
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Stir before serving and add a splash of lemon juice if needed to freshen the dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better after chilling for several hours.
Can I use imitation crab?
Absolutely. Imitation crab is an affordable and delicious substitute for lump crab meat.
What pasta works best?
Rotini, bowtie, shells, and cavatappi all work well because they hold onto the dressing.
Can I freeze seafood pasta salad?
No. The creamy dressing does not freeze well and can separate when thawed.
Final Thoughts
This Seaside Pasta Salad brings all the flavors of a coastal seafood feast to one easy, refreshing dish. Loaded with shrimp, crab, crisp vegetables, and a creamy lemon dressing, it’s the perfect summer pasta salad for picnics, potlucks, cookouts, and family gatherings. One bite and you’ll feel like you’re dining by the ocean.
