Chilled Seafood Pasta Salad
This Chilled Seafood Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish, perfect for hot summer days or light lunches. Combining the sweet flavors of imitation crab with crisp vegetables and a creamy dressing, this versatile salad can be customized to suit any taste preference. Whether you're planning a picnic, potluck, or just a meal at home, this delightful salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
4
Servings
280
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
imitation crabmeat
1 lb (roughly chopped)
elbow macaroni
1 cup (uncooked)
bell pepper
1 medium (chopped)
celery
1/4 cup (chopped)
onion salt
1/4 teaspoon (or use 2 tablespoons finely chopped onions)
creole seasoning
1/4 teaspoon (or to taste)
ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (or use white pepper)
garlic salt
1 dash
mayonnaise
2 tablespoons (or more to taste)
sour cream
1 tablespoon (optional)
tomato
1 medium (seeded and diced, optional)
Instructions
1
Cook the elbow macaroni following the instructions on its package. After cooking, rinse the pasta under cold water until cooled, and then leave it to drain thoroughly in a colander.
2
While pasta is draining, roughly chop the imitation crabmeat and place it in a medium-sized bowl. Set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped bell pepper, celery, and optional tomato.
4
Add the cooled pasta and all the seasonings: onion salt (or chopped onions), creole seasoning, ground black pepper, and garlic salt.
5
Carefully fold in the mayonnaise and optional sour cream until all ingredients are well-coated. Adjust the amount of mayonnaise and seasonings to your personal taste.
6
Gently incorporate the chopped crab meat into the mixture.
7
Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
8
Stir the salad again before serving, adding more mayonnaise if needed to achieve your desired creaminess.
Nutrition Information
13.5g
Fat
27.5g
Carbs
15g
Protein
2g
Fiber
2.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chilled Seafood Pasta Salad?
It is a vibrant and refreshing dish combining imitation crab, crisp vegetables, elbow macaroni, and a creamy dressing, ideal for summer lunches or picnics.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the calorie count for this seafood pasta salad?
Each serving contains approximately 280 calories.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of uncooked elbow macaroni.
How much imitation crabmeat do I need?
You will need 1 lb of imitation crabmeat, roughly chopped.
Why should I rinse the pasta under cold water?
Rinsing the pasta under cold water stops the cooking process and cools it down immediately so it can be used in a chilled salad.
Can I substitute onion salt with fresh onions?
Yes, you can substitute 1/4 teaspoon of onion salt with 2 tablespoons of finely chopped onions.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad includes a medium bell pepper, 1/4 cup of celery, and an optional medium tomato.
Is there a specific seasoning for the kick in flavor?
Creole seasoning is used to provide a specific flavor profile; you can use 1/4 teaspoon or adjust to taste.
How long should the salad be refrigerated before serving?
Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Is sour cream required for this recipe?
No, the 1 tablespoon of sour cream is optional and used to add extra creaminess.
Can I use white pepper instead of black pepper?
Yes, the recipe allows for the substitution of 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper with white pepper.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 13.5g of fat per serving.
What is the protein content of the Chilled Seafood Pasta Salad?
Each serving provides 15g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 27.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I prepare the tomato for this salad?
If using the optional tomato, it should be seeded and diced.
Can I add more mayonnaise?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of mayonnaise beyond the initial 2 tablespoons to reach your desired creaminess.
What should I do right before serving the salad?
Stir the salad again and add more mayonnaise if it has become dry during refrigeration.
Is this recipe suitable for a picnic?
Yes, it is tagged as an ideal recipe for picnics, potlucks, and light summer lunches.
How much celery is required?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of chopped celery.
What is the fiber content?
Each serving contains 2g of fiber.
How much sugar is in this dish?
There are 2.5g of sugar per serving.
Is garlic salt used in this recipe?
Yes, a dash of garlic salt is added for seasoning.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized under Lunch/Snacks.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 11 ingredients listed for this recipe.
When should the crabmeat be added to the mixture?
The chopped crabmeat should be gently incorporated into the mixture after the pasta, vegetables, and dressing have been combined.
Can I use real crab instead of imitation?
While the recipe specifies imitation crab for its sweet flavor and texture, real crabmeat can be used as a premium substitute.
What size bell pepper should I use?
The recipe recommends using one medium-sized bell pepper.
Does this recipe contain seafood?
Yes, it features imitation crabmeat as the primary protein.
Is this a refreshing dish for hot days?
Absolutely, it is described as a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for hot summer days.