Imagine a dish that combines the delicate sweetness of fresh crabmeat with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a culinary masterpiece that's both refreshing and satisfying. This Crabmeat and Pasta Salad is not just a recipe; it's a summer sensation that will transport you to coastal dining with every single bite. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a stunning side dish, or a light dinner that impresses, this recipe is your golden ticket to flavor paradise!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (your choice)
- 1 cup crabmeat
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup celery, chopped
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the pasta of your choice. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare your vegetables. Chop the celery and red bell pepper into small, bite-sized pieces. Set them aside in a mixing bowl.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Allow it to drain thoroughly.
- In the mixing bowl with the chopped celery and red bell pepper, add the crabmeat, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Gently fold the ingredients together until well combined.
- Add the cooled pasta to the mixing bowl with the crabmeat mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Carefully mix everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the dressing and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Once combined, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You may want to add more lemon juice for brightness or additional salt and pepper for flavor.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute the ingredients. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or light main course.
Tips
- Choose Your Pasta Wisely: Short pasta shapes like rotini, shells, or bow-ties work best as they catch the creamy dressing perfectly.
- Chill is Key: Always rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking and prevent clumping. This ensures a perfect texture in your salad.
- Fresh is Best: If possible, use fresh lump crabmeat for the most authentic and rich flavor. However, high-quality canned crabmeat works wonderfully too.
- Customize Your Crunch: Feel free to add extra vegetables like green onions or cucumber for added texture and freshness.
- Make Ahead Magic: This salad tastes even better after sitting in the refrigerator for a few hours, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Temperature Matters: Serve chilled or at room temperature for optimal taste and food safety.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 55mg
