Elevate your culinary experience with a dish that’s as refreshing as it is satisfying. This Slammin Seafood Pasta Salad combines the succulence of shrimp and crab meat with the vibrant crunch of bell peppers and celery, all tossed in a zesty dressing that’ll leave your taste buds dancing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or simply a light and flavorful meal at home, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire.
Ingredients: For the salad:
- 8 ounces penne pasta, cooked according to package instructions and cooled
- 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound cooked crab meat (or imitation crab meat), flaked
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
For the dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, shrimp, crab meat, celery, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, and fresh parsley. Mix gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and seafood mixture, ensuring everything is evenly coated. Use a spatula or spoon to gently toss the salad, making sure all ingredients are coated in the flavorful dressing.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill.
- Before serving, give the salad a final stir to redistribute the dressing and flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or Old Bay seasoning according to your preference.
- Serve the Slammin Seafood Pasta Salad chilled as a main dish or side dish at your next gathering. It’s perfect for outdoor events, beach parties, or as a light and satisfying meal on warm summer days.
Conclusion: Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of the sea with this Slammin Seafood Pasta Salad. With its combination of tender shrimp, delicate crab meat, and crisp vegetables, all dressed in a tangy and savory dressing, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, enjoying a picnic in the park, or simply craving a taste of something fresh and delicious, this seafood pasta salad is the perfect choice. So grab your ingredients, whip up a batch, and get ready to savor every mouthful of this sensational dish.