Chilled Creamy Cucumber and Crab Pasta Delight
This refreshing and creamy pasta salad combines tender medium shell pasta with crisp English cucumber slices and savory imitation crabmeat. Accentuated by fresh or dried dill and the creamy goodness of cucumber salad dressing, this dish is perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or a make-ahead meal. It’s a beloved family recipe, ensuring a delightful and satisfying experience for every guest. To maximize flavor, allow the salad to chill before serving. Best enjoyed as a side or a light main course.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
medium shell noodles
16 ounces (cooked and drained)
English cucumber
1 (sliced into thin half-moons)
imitation crabmeat
16 ounces (chopped into chunks)
dried dill
1.5 tablespoons (adjust to taste, can use fresh)
salt
to taste (optional)
pepper
to taste (optional)
creamy cucumber salad dressing
16 ounces (add gradually, adjust to preference)
Instructions
1
1. Cook the medium shell pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain thoroughly and rinse under cold water. Ensure all excess water is removed from the pasta to help the dressing adhere better.
2
2. Prepare the English cucumber by slicing it in half lengthwise, then into approximately 1/8-inch thin slices, leaving the skin on if preferred.
3
3. Chop the imitation crabmeat into bite-sized chunks and add them to the drained pasta in a large bowl.
4
4. Sprinkle the dried dill over the pasta and crab mixture, adding salt and pepper to taste. Stir well until the dill is evenly distributed, resulting in a pleasant speckled appearance.
5
5. If serving immediately, add approximately half of the creamy cucumber salad dressing to the mixture, stirring to ensure an even, light coating. Gradually add more dressing to achieve your desired level of creaminess without making the noodles overly soggy.
6
6. Chill the salad in the refrigerator until ready to serve. If preparing in advance, assemble all ingredients except the dressing, keeping it refrigerated. Add the dressing just before serving for optimal texture.
7
7. For leftovers, store salad and dressing separately, if possible, as the noodles may absorb the dressing over time. Add additional dressing to refresh the salad when serving again.
8
8. Optionally, garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of fresh dill for an appealing presentation.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chilled Creamy Cucumber and Crab Pasta Delight?
It is a refreshing pasta salad made with medium shell pasta, English cucumbers, imitation crabmeat, and a creamy cucumber dressing, perfect for summer gatherings.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of medium shell noodles.
How do I prepare the pasta for the salad?
Cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain thoroughly, and rinse under cold water to remove excess starch and heat.
Why should I rinse the pasta under cold water?
Rinsing removes excess starch and helps the dressing adhere better to the noodles while cooling them down for the chilled salad.
How should the English cucumber be sliced?
Slice it in half lengthwise, then into approximately 1/8-inch thin half-moon slices.
Should I peel the cucumber for this recipe?
You can leave the skin on the English cucumber if preferred for color and texture.
What kind of crabmeat is used?
The recipe specifies 16 ounces of imitation crabmeat chopped into bite-sized chunks.
Can I use fresh dill instead of dried?
Yes, while the recipe calls for 1.5 tablespoons of dried dill, you can use fresh dill to taste.
What dressing is used in this pasta salad?
A 16-ounce bottle of creamy cucumber salad dressing is used.
How much dressing should I add at first?
Start by adding approximately half the bottle and gradually add more to reach your desired creaminess.
Can this recipe be made in advance?
Yes, but for the best texture, assemble the ingredients and keep the dressing separate until just before serving.
How do I prevent the noodles from getting soggy?
Add the dressing gradually and avoid adding it too early if you are preparing the dish ahead of time.
How should I store leftovers?
Store in the refrigerator. If possible, keep the dressing separate as the noodles will absorb it over time.
What should I do if the pasta absorbs all the dressing?
Add additional creamy cucumber dressing to refresh the salad before serving leftovers.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
This dish is served chilled and should be refrigerated before serving to maximize flavor.
What are some recommended garnishes?
Optional garnishes include halved cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of fresh dill.
Is this a main course or a side dish?
It can be enjoyed as either a light main course or a refreshing side dish.
How do I ensure the dill is evenly distributed?
Sprinkle the dill over the pasta and crab mixture and stir well until it creates a pleasant speckled appearance.
Do I need to add salt and pepper?
Salt and pepper are optional and should be added to your personal taste.
What makes English cucumbers different for this recipe?
English cucumbers are preferred because they have thinner skins and fewer seeds, making them ideal for salads.
Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?
Yes, its chilled nature and ability to be made in large batches make it a popular potluck dish.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: pasta, cucumber, imitation crab, dill, salt, pepper, and dressing.
Can I use real crabmeat?
While the recipe calls for imitation crab, you could substitute real crab if preferred.
How many ounces of crabmeat are needed?
The recipe requires 16 ounces of imitation crabmeat.
What is the total amount of pasta used?
A standard 16-ounce package of medium shell noodles is used.
What texture should the crab chunks be?
The crab should be chopped into bite-sized chunks for an even distribution.
Does the recipe require any cooking besides the pasta?
No, the rest of the ingredients are prepared fresh and mixed together.
Why is it called a 'Delight'?
It is a beloved family recipe known for being a delightful and satisfying experience for guests.
Can I use other pasta shapes?
Medium shells are recommended, but other small shapes like rotini or bowties would also work well.
What is the best time of year to serve this?
It is especially perfect for summer gatherings due to its refreshing and chilled nature.