Mediterranean Artisan Crab Pasta Salad
Inspired by a delightful dish enjoyed in Little Italy near the charming Baltimore Harbor, this Mediterranean Artisan Crab Pasta Salad delivers an explosion of flavors that evoke summer breezes and sunny picnics. The combination of fresh lump crabmeat, tender pasta shells, and a zesty, creamy dressing creates a dish that is not just a salad but a culinary experience. It's perfect for serving as a charming appetizer, a refreshing side for grilled meats, or a light yet satisfying lunch for warm gatherings. Impress your guests with this beautiful presentation, while the delightful blend of fresh ingredients will leave a lasting impression on their palates. Remember, fresh crabmeat is essential for achieving the authentic taste you crave!
6
Servings
200
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pasta shells
12 ounces (Cooked until al dente, drained, and cooled)
Lump crabmeat
1/2 lb (Fresh, picked through for shells)
Mayonnaise
1 cup (No preparation required)
Buttermilk
1/2 cup (No preparation required)
Green onions
4 (Thinly sliced)
Lemon
1 (Juice only)
Onion powder
1 teaspoon (No preparation required)
Garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (No preparation required)
Old Bay Seasoning
1/2 teaspoon (No preparation required)
Fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (Chopped)
Pepper
to taste (No preparation required)
Lettuce leaves
for serving (Washed and dried)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, approximately 10 to 12 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the pasta aside to cool completely.
2
While the pasta cools, carefully inspect the lump crabmeat for any shells and discard any pieces you find. This step is crucial to maintain the integrity of your dish.
3
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the fresh lump crabmeat with mayonnaise, buttermilk, sliced green onions, and fresh lemon juice. Add onion powder, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, parsley, and pepper. Stir gently to combine, ensuring not to break up the crab too much.
4
Once the pasta is cooled, add it to the crab mixture and fold gently until well mixed. The pasta should be evenly coated in the creamy dressing and crabmeat.
5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
6
Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve atop crisp lettuce leaves for an elegant presentation.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
15g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Artisan Crab Pasta Salad?
It is a flavorful dish featuring fresh lump crabmeat, tender pasta shells, and a zesty, creamy dressing inspired by flavors found in Baltimore's Little Italy.
What kind of crabmeat is best for this recipe?
Fresh lump crabmeat is essential for achieving the most authentic and delicious taste.
How long should I cook the pasta shells?
Cook the pasta in salted boiling water for approximately 10 to 12 minutes until it reaches an al dente texture.
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, it is recommended to refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What are the main seasonings used in the dressing?
The dressing is seasoned with Old Bay seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, fresh parsley, and pepper.
Is there a substitute for fresh crabmeat?
While fresh lump crab is best, you could use imitation crab, though the flavor and texture will differ significantly.
What is the fat content of this dish?
There are 12 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in a serving of this salad?
Each serving provides about 10 grams of protein.
Should I rinse the pasta after cooking?
Yes, rinse the pasta under cold water after draining to stop the cooking process and cool it down for the salad.
What role does buttermilk play in the recipe?
Buttermilk adds a subtle tang and helps create a lighter, creamier consistency for the dressing.
How do I prepare the crabmeat?
Carefully inspect the crabmeat for any remaining shell fragments and discard them before mixing.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is preferred for its bright flavor, but bottled juice can be used if necessary.
What is the best way to serve this salad?
For an elegant presentation, serve the crab pasta salad atop crisp, fresh lettuce leaves.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of pasta works best?
Small pasta shells are ideal because they hold the dressing and bits of crab in their hollow centers.
Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
Yes, feel free to add diced celery or bell peppers for additional crunch and color.
Is this recipe suitable for a picnic?
Yes, it is perfect for picnics, though it should be kept chilled until served since it contains mayonnaise and seafood.
How long will the leftovers keep?
The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Can I freeze the crab pasta salad?
Freezing is not recommended as the mayonnaise-based dressing and pasta texture will degrade upon thawing.
What if I don't have Old Bay seasoning?
You can use a mix of celery salt, paprika, and black pepper, though the flavor won't be exactly the same.
How many green onions are needed?
The recipe calls for 4 thinly sliced green onions.
Is this a light lunch option?
Yes, at 200 calories per serving, it makes for a refreshing and light yet satisfying lunch.
Can I use light mayonnaise?
Yes, light mayonnaise can be substituted to reduce the fat content, though it may slightly alter the creaminess.
What gives this salad its Mediterranean flair?
The combination of fresh seafood, lemon, and fresh herbs evokes the bright flavors of Mediterranean coastal cuisine.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 total ingredients required for this dish.
Why is it called 'Artisan'?
The name reflects the focus on high-quality, fresh ingredients and careful preparation for a gourmet result.
What size should the pasta shells be?
Medium or small pasta shells are most appropriate for a balanced bite with the crabmeat.
Should I stir the crab vigorously?
No, stir gently to combine the ingredients to avoid breaking up the large, tender lumps of crabmeat.