Zesty Imitation Crab Pasta Salad
This refreshing Zesty Imitation Crab Pasta Salad is perfect for summer gatherings or a light lunch. Packed with vibrant vegetables and coated in a tangy and creamy dressing, this dish combines the delicate flavors of imitation crab with the crunch of fresh produce. Tossed with elbow macaroni, it makes for a delightful combination that will please your taste buds. Serve it chilled for a cool and satisfying dish that's easy to make and share!
8
Servings
263
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
imitation crabmeat
16 ounces (flaked)
black olives
1/2 cup (diced)
green onion
3/4 cup (diced (tops and bottoms))
celery
1/2 cup (diced)
tomatoes
1 (seeded and diced)
macaroni
1 1/2 cups (cooked and cooled)
green pepper
1/4 cup (diced)
cucumber
1/4 cup (diced)
mayonnaise
3/4 cup (plain)
white vinegar
1 tablespoon (plain)
lemon juice
1 teaspoon (fresh)
sugar
1/2 teaspoon (plain)
dill weed
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (plain)
basil
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
oregano
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook until tender, following package instructions. Drain the macaroni and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
2
2. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, white vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, dill weed, garlic powder, basil, and oregano until smooth and well combined.
3
3. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled macaroni, imitation crabmeat, black olives, green onion, celery, tomatoes, green pepper, and cucumber. Gently fold in the dressing mixture until all ingredients are evenly coated.
4
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well.
5
5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6
6. Serve chilled and enjoy your delightful Zesty Imitation Crab Pasta Salad!
Nutrition Information
19g
Fat
17.5g
Carbs
6.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Imitation Crab Pasta Salad?
It is a refreshing and zesty pasta salad featuring elbow macaroni, imitation crabmeat, and a variety of fresh vegetables tossed in a tangy, creamy dressing.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 8 servings.
What type of pasta is recommended for this salad?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of elbow macaroni, cooked and cooled.
How many calories are in one serving of this crab pasta salad?
Each serving contains approximately 263 calories.
What are the primary vegetables used in this dish?
The salad includes black olives, green onions, celery, tomatoes, green pepper, and cucumber.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is classified as an easy recipe, ideal for summer gatherings or quick light lunches.
Should the pasta salad be served warm or cold?
This dish should be served chilled for the best flavor and refreshing quality.
How long should the salad refrigerate before serving?
It is recommended to refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing consists of mayonnaise, white vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, dill weed, garlic powder, basil, and oregano.
Can I use real crab instead of imitation crabmeat?
Yes, while the recipe specifies imitation crab, you can substitute it with real flaked crabmeat if preferred.
What kind of vinegar is used for the dressing?
The recipe utilizes 1 tablespoon of plain white vinegar.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides about 6.25g of protein.
Does the recipe contain any sugar?
Yes, it includes 1/2 teaspoon of sugar to balance the tanginess of the dressing.
How should I prepare the tomatoes for this salad?
The tomatoes should be seeded and diced before being added to the mix.
Is the green onion used entirely?
Yes, the recipe calls for 3/4 cup of diced green onion, using both the tops and the bottoms.
What is the total fat content per serving?
There are 19g of fat in each serving.
How much imitation crabmeat is needed?
The recipe requires 16 ounces of flaked imitation crabmeat.
What dried herbs are used for seasoning?
The salad is seasoned with dried dill weed, basil, and oregano.
Can I substitute the macaroni with another pasta?
Yes, while macaroni is traditional, you could use rotini or fusilli as alternatives.
Why is the macaroni rinsed under cold water?
Rinsing under cold water stops the cooking process and cools the pasta quickly so it can be mixed with the other ingredients immediately.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 17.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for a light lunch?
Yes, it is tagged specifically as a light lunch and a refreshing summertime dish.
How do I prepare the cucumber?
The cucumber should be diced, with about 1/4 cup needed for the recipe.
What provides the zesty flavor in the dressing?
The combination of lemon juice, white vinegar, and various herbs creates the zesty profile.
Can I make this salad a day in advance?
Yes, preparing it in advance allows the flavors more time to develop in the refrigerator.
Is this dish vegetarian?
No, imitation crab is typically made from surimi (fish), so it is not vegetarian.
How many total ingredients are used?
There are 16 ingredients in total for this recipe.
Can I use light mayonnaise?
Yes, plain mayonnaise can be replaced with light mayonnaise if you wish to reduce the fat content.
What is the preparation for the green pepper?
The green pepper should be diced into small pieces, using 1/4 cup for the salad.
How should leftovers be stored?
Leftovers should be kept in a covered container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.