There’s nothing quite like a chilled Crab Pasta Salad on a warm day. Creamy, tangy, and full of texture, this dish is the kind of recipe that makes any picnic or potluck feel special. I still remember the first time I tried it—I was skeptical about mixing seafood with pasta, but one bite of the zesty lemon dressing with sweet crab and crisp veggies had me hooked. This recipe combines tender pasta shells, imitation crab, and crunchy vegetables, all tossed in a flavorful Old Bay and dill dressing. It’s easy, make-ahead friendly, and guaranteed to disappear fast whenever you serve it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Crab Pasta Salad has everything you want in a crowd-pleasing dish:
- Fresh Flavor – The lemon and dill make it bright and refreshing.
- Simple to Make – Quick prep and straightforward steps.
- Perfect for Gatherings – A hit at potlucks, barbecues, or family dinners.
- Balanced Texture – Creamy dressing, tender pasta, and crunchy veggies in every bite.
It’s the kind of salad you’ll crave not just in summer, but anytime you want a cool and comforting dish.
The Story Behind Crab Pasta Salad
The tradition of Crab Pasta Salad brings together the love for seafood and America’s affection for cold pasta dishes.
- Seafood roots: Inspired by coastal cuisine where crab is a local staple.
- Picnic classic: Pasta salads rose to popularity in the U.S. mid-century as easy make-ahead dishes.
- Old Bay seasoning: A nod to Maryland’s love for crab seasoning.
- Timeless twist: Every family has its version, making it endlessly customizable.
Key Ingredients in Crab Pasta Salad
- Small Shell Pasta – The perfect shape for holding creamy dressing.
- Imitation Crab Meat – Sweet, tender, and budget-friendly.
- Mayonnaise – Adds creaminess and richness.
- Fresh Lemon Juice – Brightens the flavors and cuts through the creaminess.
- Old Bay Seasoning – A classic seafood spice blend for depth.
- Celery & Red Onion – Add crunch and sharpness.
- Dill & Dill Pickles – Herbaceous and tangy, they balance the richness.
- Frozen Peas – A pop of sweetness and color.
- Green Onions – Mild onion flavor with freshness.
How to Make Crab Pasta Salad
Here’s how to put together this creamy and refreshing Crab Pasta Salad:
- Cook pasta – Boil small shells in salted water until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and let cool completely.
- Mix the dressing – In a bowl, whisk mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, Old Bay, salt, and pepper. Stir in fresh dill and dill pickles.
- Assemble salad base – Place cooled pasta in a large mixing bowl. Add imitation crab meat, celery, red onion, green onions, and thawed peas.
- Add dressing – Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture. Stir gently until evenly coated.
- Chill to perfection – Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours (or overnight) so flavors meld together.
- Serve cold – Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and enjoy chilled.
Crab Pasta Salad Tips and Twists
Tips:
- Salt your pasta water well for better flavor.
- Rinse pasta under cold water to prevent sticking.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Use fresh dill for maximum flavor.
- Taste before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
Twists:
- Swap imitation crab with fresh lump crab for a luxe version.
- Use Greek yogurt in place of mayo for a lighter salad.
- Add diced avocado for creaminess and extra nutrition.
Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: No reheating needed—this dish is best served cold.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare up to 24 hours in advance; the flavors actually improve as it sits.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy Crab Pasta Salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats and fresh sides. Try it with smoky Grilled Chicken Wraps for a filling meal. For a lighter pairing, serve alongside a crisp Cucumber Tomato Salad. If you want a cozy complement, crusty Rustic Garlic Bread is always a good choice. It’s also perfect with a tall glass of peach lemonade or iced tea on summer days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh crab instead of imitation?
Yes, but keep in mind it’s pricier. The flavor is fantastic.
Do I need to thaw the peas first?
Yes, thaw them for the best texture before mixing.
Can I make it without mayonnaise?
You can sub in Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangier version.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta shells to make it gluten-free.
Can I add cheese?
Not traditional, but shredded cheddar or feta can be fun additions.
Enjoy Your Crab Pasta Salad
This Crab Pasta Salad is creamy, tangy, and bursting with fresh flavors. With crunchy veggies, sweet crab, and a zesty lemon-dill dressing, it’s the kind of recipe that feels both comforting and refreshing. Best of all, it’s easy enough for beginners and versatile enough for any gathering. Whether you’re packing it for lunch, serving it at a cookout, or making it ahead for the week, this dish is sure to impress.
Explore More Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, there are plenty of other dishes that pair perfectly. For another seafood-inspired pasta, try our creamy Shrimp Carbonara. Craving something lighter? Whip up a quick Grilled Vegetables Recipe. And don’t forget dessert—our Best Carrot Cake Cookies make a sweet finish.
Crab Pasta Salad – Easy, Creamy & Flavorful Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 oz small shell pasta
- 1¼ cups mayonnaise
- 2½ tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1½ tsp Old Bay seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh dill chopped
- ⅓ cup dill pickles finely chopped
- 12 oz imitation crab meat chopped or flaked
- 1 cup celery diced
- ½ cup red onion finely chopped
- ⅓ cup green onions thinly sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas thawed
Instructions
- Cook pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and let cool.
- In a bowl, whisk mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, Old Bay, salt, and pepper. Stir in dill and pickles.
- Add cooled pasta to a large bowl. Stir in crab meat, celery, red onion, green onions, and peas.
- Pour dressing over the pasta mixture and stir gently to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for 1–2 hours, or overnight, for best flavor.
- Before serving, stir well and serve cold.
Notes
Calories: 365 kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Sodium: 720mg