Chilled Seafood Medley Pasta Salad
This Chilled Seafood Medley Pasta Salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish perfect for summer gatherings or simple weeknight dinners. Packed with tender egg noodles, succulent shrimp, and flaky imitation crabmeat, this vibrant salad is enhanced with crunchy vegetables and a creamy, tangy dressing. Ideal for meal prep, it gets better as it sits, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve it as a standalone dish or as a side at your next barbecue or picnic!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
egg noodles
8 ounces (cooked and cooled)
green onions
2 (chopped)
celery
1/3 cup (chopped)
green pepper
1/3 cup (chopped)
baby shrimp
1 (4 ounce) package (chopped (precooked))
imitation crabmeat
1 (16 ounce) package (cut into small pieces)
mayonnaise
3/4 cup (none)
creamy French dressing
1/2 cup (none)
sweet pickle relish
1/4 cup (none)
Old Bay Seasoning
1 tablespoon (none)
parsley flakes
2 tablespoons (none)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them in a colander and rinse under cold water until fully cooled. Set aside.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped green onions, celery, green pepper, baby shrimp, and imitation crabmeat. Mix these ingredients gently to avoid breaking the seafood pieces.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, creamy French dressing, and sweet pickle relish until smooth.
4
Pour the dressing over the seafood mixture and stir gently to combine without mashing the ingredients.
5
Add the Old Bay seasoning, parsley flakes, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated.
6
For best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chilled Seafood Medley Pasta Salad?
It is a refreshing cold pasta dish featuring egg noodles, succulent baby shrimp, and imitation crabmeat tossed in a creamy dressing with crunchy vegetables and Old Bay seasoning.
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of egg noodles?
Yes, you can substitute egg noodles with rotini, farfalle (bow tie), or penne pasta if you prefer a different texture.
Do I need to cook the shrimp before adding them?
The recipe calls for a package of precooked baby shrimp, so you just need to thaw and chop them if they are not already bite-sized.
Is imitation crabmeat necessary, or can I use real crab?
You can certainly use real crabmeat for a more luxurious version, though imitation crabmeat is traditional for this style of salad and holds its shape well.
What makes the dressing for this seafood pasta salad?
The dressing is a tangy and creamy blend of mayonnaise, creamy French dressing, and sweet pickle relish.
Why do I need to rinse the noodles under cold water?
Rinsing the egg noodles under cold water stops the cooking process and prevents them from becoming mushy while also cooling them quickly for the salad.
Can I substitute the creamy French dressing?
If you do not have French dressing, you can use Catalina dressing or a mixture of mayonnaise with a splash of ketchup, vinegar, and sugar.
Is this salad spicy due to the Old Bay seasoning?
Old Bay provides a savory, slightly zesty flavor profile typical of seafood dishes, but it is not considered spicy.
Can I make this pasta salad in advance?
Yes, it is actually recommended to make it several hours or even a day ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld together.
How long can I store this salad in the refrigerator?
This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze Chilled Seafood Medley Pasta Salad?
Freezing is not recommended because the mayonnaise-based dressing and the texture of the vegetables and pasta will deteriorate upon thawing.
Is this recipe suitable for a picnic?
Yes, it is an excellent picnic food, but it must be kept cold in a cooler until serving because it contains mayonnaise and seafood.
Can I add more vegetables to the salad?
Absolutely! Red bell peppers, peas, or shredded carrots would make great additions for extra crunch and color.
What if I don't like sweet pickle relish?
You can omit it or replace it with finely chopped dill pickles if you prefer a less sweet, tangier flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, it is not gluten-free because egg noodles contain wheat. You would need to use a gluten-free pasta substitute.
Can I use fresh parsley instead of dried flakes?
Yes, fresh chopped parsley can be used; use about 3 tablespoons of fresh parsley to replace the 2 tablespoons of dried flakes.
What is the best way to chop imitation crabmeat?
You can simply cut the sticks or chunks into 1/2-inch pieces or gently flake them apart with your fingers.
Can I reduce the amount of mayonnaise?
You can reduce the mayonnaise slightly or replace a portion of it with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, though the flavor profile will change.
What should I serve as a side with this salad?
This is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with corn on the cob, garlic bread, or a light fruit salad.
Does the pasta absorb the dressing over time?
Yes, the pasta will absorb some dressing as it sits. If it seems too dry before serving, you can stir in a tablespoon of mayonnaise or dressing.
Can I use larger shrimp?
Yes, you can use larger shrimp; just ensure they are cooked, peeled, deveined, and chopped into bite-sized pieces.
How many people does this recipe serve?
Based on the ingredients, this recipe typically serves 4 to 6 people as a main dish or 8 to 10 as a side salad.
Is it okay to use Miracle Whip instead of mayonnaise?
Yes, though Miracle Whip is sweeter and tangier than mayonnaise, so you may want to adjust the amount of sweet relish used.
What is the purpose of the celery and green pepper?
They provide a necessary crunch and fresh contrast to the soft pasta and tender seafood.
Can I add hard-boiled eggs?
Hard-boiled eggs are a popular addition to seafood pasta salads and would fit perfectly in this recipe.
What if I can't find creamy French dressing?
You can look for 'Western' style dressing or any orange-colored sweet and tangy salad dressing.
Can I use onion powder instead of green onions?
You can, but the green onions provide a fresh flavor and color that onion powder lacks. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of powder if substituting.
Do I need to peel the celery?
It is not necessary to peel the celery, but you should wash it thoroughly and remove any tough strings if desired.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe is very easy to double for large gatherings or parties.
Should I salt the pasta water?
Yes, salting the pasta water is the best way to season the egg noodles from the inside out while they cook.