Lemon-Bay Seafood Pasta Delight
This vibrant Lemon-Bay Seafood Pasta Delight is a refreshing twist on classic pasta salad, bursting with the fresh flavors of shrimp, crabmeat, and a zesty lemon dressing. Enhanced with the savory touch of Old Bay seasoning, each bite offers a delightful crunch from finely chopped celery and a pop of sweetness from thawed peas. This dish is not just a meal; it's an experience! Perfect for summer gatherings or picnics, this pasta salad can be prepared in advance to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. For a healthier option, feel free to substitute whole wheat pasta, and you'll love the rich creaminess of the mayonnaise mixed with the bright acidity of fresh lemon juice. Whether you choose to double the shrimp or crab for extra protein, this recipe guarantees satisfaction and is truly a keeper for your recipe collection!
4-6 servings
Servings
103
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
shell pasta
8 ounces (cooked according to package directions)
lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons (freshly squeezed)
celery
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
onions
2 tablespoons (minced)
baby shrimp
6 ounces (cooked and peeled)
crabmeat
8 ounces (chopped)
mayonnaise
1/2 cup (divided)
Old Bay Seasoning
1-2 teaspoons (to taste)
frozen peas
1/2 cup (thawed)
parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped)
salt and pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Cook the shell pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Immediately toss with the lemon juice to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with finely chopped celery, minced onions, cooked shrimp, and crabmeat. Gently fold in the thawed peas, mayonnaise, and Old Bay seasoning, adjusting the seasoning to taste.
3
Season with salt and pepper to your liking. For optimal flavor, consider adding half of the mayonnaise and Old Bay initially, and then mix in the remaining half just before serving.
4
Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for several hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5
When ready to serve, give the salad a gentle stir. Present it on a bed of fresh lettuce for an elegant touch and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
10g
Carbs
6g
Protein
1g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lemon-Bay Seafood Pasta Delight?
It is a vibrant and refreshing pasta salad featuring shrimp, crabmeat, and a zesty lemon dressing with Old Bay seasoning.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of shell pasta, cooked according to package directions until al dente.
Can I use imitation crab instead of real crabmeat?
Yes, you can use 8 ounces of chopped crabmeat, which can be fresh, canned, or high-quality imitation crab.
How many calories are in a single serving?
There are 103 calories per serving of this seafood pasta salad.
What are the main protein sources in this salad?
The primary proteins are 6 ounces of cooked baby shrimp and 8 ounces of chopped crabmeat.
How long should I chill the pasta salad before serving?
It should be chilled in the refrigerator for several hours to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
For a healthier option, you can substitute the standard shell pasta with whole wheat pasta.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking after cooking?
Immediately after draining and rinsing the pasta under cold water, toss it with lemon juice to prevent sticking.
What seasoning provides the savory flavor in this dish?
Old Bay Seasoning is used to provide a savory, classic seafood flavor profile.
Can I double the seafood in this recipe?
Yes, if you want extra protein, you can easily double the shrimp or crabmeat used in the recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for a picnic?
Yes, this pasta salad is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, and outdoor meals.
What size shrimp should I buy?
The recipe recommends using 6 ounces of baby shrimp that are already cooked and peeled.
Do I need to cook the peas?
No, you only need to use 1/2 cup of frozen peas that have been thawed before mixing them in.
How should I serve the salad for an elegant presentation?
Presenting the salad on a bed of fresh lettuce provides an elegant and professional touch.
How much mayonnaise is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, which should be added in two parts for optimal creaminess.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.
What vegetables are included in the pasta salad?
The salad includes finely chopped celery, minced onions, and thawed peas for crunch and flavor.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 4 grams of fat per serving.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, it is recommended to prepare it in advance to allow the flavors to develop while chilling.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes between 4 and 6 servings.
What is the best way to maintain the creaminess of the salad?
Mix in half of the mayonnaise initially and the remaining half just before serving to prevent the pasta from soaking it all up.
How much lemon juice is used?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 6 grams of protein.
How should the celery be prepared?
The celery should be finely chopped to ensure a consistent crunch throughout the salad.
What is the purpose of adding lemon juice to the pasta immediately?
It adds a bright acidity and acts as a light coating to keep the pasta from sticking together.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
While shells are recommended, you could substitute with other small shapes like rotini, fusilli, or macaroni.
Is this a warm or cold pasta dish?
This is a chilled pasta salad, meant to be served cold.
How much Old Bay seasoning is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1 to 2 teaspoons, though you should adjust it to your personal taste.
What herb is used for garnishing or flavoring?
One tablespoon of chopped parsley is included in the ingredient list for fresh flavor.
How much fiber is in the recipe?
There is 1 gram of fiber per serving in this pasta salad.