Creamy Crab Pasta Salad with Veggies
This delightful Creamy Crab Pasta Salad is the perfect potluck dish that combines a medley of colorful veggies, protein-rich imitation crab meat, and comforting pasta in a creamy dressing. It’s a well-rounded meal that is sure to satisfy your guests, even in a dessert-heavy gathering. The light and zesty dressing brings all the flavors together, while the fresh ingredients provide a delightful crunch. Serve it chilled for the ultimate refreshing dish, and watch as this vibrant salad becomes the star of the table!
N/A
Servings
208
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pasta
12 ounces (cooked)
Miracle Whip
1 cup (light)
Italian Dressing
1/2 cup (fat free)
Mayonnaise
1/2 cup (light)
Parmesan Cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
Tomato
1 (diced)
Broccoli
2 cups (broken into pieces)
Imitation Crab Meat
1.5-2 cups (chopped)
Green Onions
to taste (chopped for topping)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.
2
In a separate bowl, combine Miracle Whip, fat-free Italian dressing, light mayonnaise, and parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped tomatoes, raw broccoli florets, and imitation crab meat.
4
Pour the creamy dressing over the salad mixture and gently mix until all ingredients are evenly coated.
5
For added flavor and visual appeal, top with chopped green onions before serving.
6
Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and enhance the overall taste.
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
19g
Carbs
7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Crab Pasta Salad with Veggies?
It is a refreshing and creamy pasta salad that combines imitation crab meat, fresh vegetables like broccoli and tomatoes, and a tangy dressing made with Miracle Whip and Italian dressing.
How many calories are in a serving of this crab pasta salad?
There are approximately 208 calories per serving of this recipe.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients include 12 ounces of pasta, 1 cup of Miracle Whip, fat-free Italian dressing, light mayonnaise, parmesan cheese, tomato, broccoli, and imitation crab meat.
How much fat is in this dish?
Each serving contains about 8 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
This pasta salad contains 19 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 7 grams of protein in each serving.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
You should chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Can I use real crab meat instead of imitation crab?
Yes, you can substitute real crab meat for the imitation crab in a 1.5 to 2 cup measurement.
What type of dressing is used in this recipe?
The dressing is a blend of light Miracle Whip, fat-free Italian dressing, and light mayonnaise mixed with parmesan cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for a potluck?
Yes, it is specifically described as a perfect potluck dish because it is easy to transport and satisfies a variety of tastes.
What kind of pasta should I use?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of pasta; rotini, penne, or bow-tie pasta usually work best for holding the creamy sauce.
How should the broccoli be prepared?
The broccoli should be used raw and broken into small, bite-sized pieces or florets.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are a total of 9 ingredients used in this recipe.
Can I make this a vegetarian dish?
Yes, you can create a vegetarian version by omitting the crab meat or using a plant-based seafood alternative.
How should the green onions be used?
The green onions should be chopped and added as a topping just before serving for flavor and visual appeal.
Is the parmesan cheese shredded or grated?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
What is the preparation for the tomatoes?
You should use one tomato that has been diced into small pieces.
How much imitation crab is required?
The recipe requires between 1.5 and 2 cups of chopped imitation crab meat.
Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of light?
Yes, regular mayonnaise can be used, though it will increase the fat and calorie count of the dish.
Is the Italian dressing creamy or clear?
The recipe calls for fat-free Italian dressing, which is typically the clear, vinaigrette-style dressing.
Should the pasta be warm when mixing with the dressing?
No, the pasta should be cooked, drained, and allowed to cool completely before being combined with the creamy ingredients.
What is the flavor profile of the dressing?
The dressing is described as light and zesty, thanks to the combination of tangy Miracle Whip and Italian dressing.
How do I ensure the dressing is smooth?
Mix the Miracle Whip, Italian dressing, mayonnaise, and parmesan cheese in a separate bowl until smooth before adding to the pasta.
Can I add more vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely; bell peppers, peas, or cucumbers would make excellent additions to the existing broccoli and tomatoes.
How do I serve this for a party?
Serve it chilled in a large bowl, topped with fresh green onions to make it the star of the table.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is considered a well-rounded, one-dish meal as it contains pasta, protein, and vegetables.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
While not specified in the data, the inclusion of 2 cups of raw broccoli provides a natural source of dietary fiber.
What is the texture of the salad?
It features a creamy texture from the dressing paired with a delightful crunch from the fresh raw broccoli and onions.
Can I substitute Miracle Whip with something else?
You can use all mayonnaise if you prefer a less tangy flavor, though the Miracle Whip provides the signature zest.
How many cups of broccoli are used?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of broccoli broken into pieces.