Creamy Crab and Cheddar Pasta Salad
This creamy Crab and Cheddar Pasta Salad is a delightful summer dish that combines the flavors of sweet imitation crabmeat with crunchy vegetables and rich cheddar cheese. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a refreshing side at your next barbecue, this salad is not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser. With a zesty lemon kick and a hint of garlic salt, each bite is an explosion of flavor that elevates traditional pasta salads to a whole new level. Make it ahead of time and let the flavors meld together for the best taste!
N/A
Servings
120
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Macaroni or Shell Pasta
1/2 lb (Cooked according to package directions)
Imitation Crabmeat
1 lb (Shredded or chopped)
Mayonnaise
1/2 cup (None)
Tomatoes
1/2 (Chopped)
Onion
1/4 (Finely chopped)
Cheddar Cheese
1 cup (Cubed)
Lemon
1/2 (Juiced)
Garlic Salt
1 teaspoon (None)
Pepper
To taste (None)
Instructions
1
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni or shell pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the imitation crabmeat, chopped tomatoes, finely chopped onion, and cubed cheddar cheese.
3
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic salt, and a dash of pepper until smooth.
4
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss everything together until well combined.
5
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6
Serve chilled and enjoy this refreshing salad with friends and family!
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
9g
Carbs
7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Crab and Cheddar Pasta Salad?
It is a refreshing summer dish that combines sweet imitation crabmeat, crunchy vegetables, rich cheddar cheese, and a zesty lemon-garlic dressing.
How do I make Creamy Crab and Cheddar Pasta Salad?
Cook pasta until al dente, rinse in cold water, mix with crab, vegetables, and cheese, then toss with a dressing made of mayonnaise, lemon, garlic salt, and pepper.
What are the primary ingredients for this salad?
The main ingredients include macaroni or shell pasta, imitation crabmeat, mayonnaise, tomatoes, onion, cheddar cheese, lemon juice, garlic salt, and pepper.
What kind of pasta should I use for this recipe?
You should use 1/2 lb of either macaroni or shell pasta for the best results.
How much imitation crabmeat is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of imitation crabmeat, which should be shredded or chopped.
What type of cheese is used in this pasta salad?
The recipe uses 1 cup of cubed cheddar cheese.
How do I prepare the vegetables for the salad?
You need to chop 1/2 of a tomato and finely chop 1/4 of an onion.
What is the base of the salad dressing?
The dressing is made from 1/2 cup of mayonnaise mixed with lemon juice and seasonings.
How do I season the Creamy Crab and Cheddar Pasta Salad?
The salad is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of garlic salt and pepper to taste.
Should the pasta be cooked a certain way?
Yes, the pasta should be cooked according to package instructions until it is al dente.
Why do I need to rinse the pasta under cold water?
Rinsing the pasta under cold water cools it down and stops the cooking process before mixing it with the other ingredients.
How long should the salad be refrigerated before serving?
The salad should be covered and refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Can I make this salad for a potluck?
Yes, this salad is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or barbecues as it is easy to make and a crowd-pleaser.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 120 calories.
How much protein is in this dish?
There are 7g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 7g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
There are 9g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and involves simple assembly and minimal cooking.
Can I use real crab instead of imitation crab?
While the recipe specifies imitation crabmeat for its sweetness and texture, you can substitute real crab if preferred.
What size should the cheddar cheese be?
The cheddar cheese should be cut into small cubes.
How do I prepare the lemon for the dressing?
You should use 1/2 of a lemon and juice it to mix into the dressing.
Is this a good summer dish?
Absolutely, it is specifically described as a delightful summer dish and a refreshing salad.
How should the ingredients be combined?
Gently toss the pasta mixture with the dressing until everything is well combined.
Can I add more vegetables to this salad?
Yes, while the recipe uses tomatoes and onions, you can customize it with other crunchy vegetables if desired.
Is this salad served warm or cold?
This salad is served chilled for the best refreshing taste.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe contains 9 ingredients.
What gives the salad its zesty kick?
The fresh lemon juice combined with garlic salt provides the zesty kick.
What tools do I need for the dressing?
You just need a small bowl and a whisk to combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and spices.
Can I make this salad a day in advance?
Yes, making it ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together even better.
Is this recipe suitable for seafood lovers?
Yes, it is categorized as a seafood salad and crab salad, making it ideal for those who enjoy seafood flavors.