Best 9 Creamy Crab And Pasta Salad Recipes

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Indulge in a symphony of flavors with our creamy crab and pasta salad, a delightful dish that combines the delicate sweetness of crab with the richness of a creamy dressing, all nestled amidst a bed of perfectly cooked pasta. This tantalizing salad is a true culinary delight, perfect for a light lunch, a refreshing summer meal, or as a side dish to complement your main course. With variations ranging from a classic mayonnaise-based dressing to a tangy lemon vinaigrette, this versatile recipe offers options to suit every palate. Join us on a culinary journey as we explore the delectable world of creamy crab and pasta salad, a dish that is sure to leave you craving more.

Here are our top 9 tried and tested recipes!

CRAB PASTA SALAD



Crab Pasta Salad image

A blend of diced veggies, seasoning, and imitation crab meat are mixed with pasta shells in a creamy dressing. This seafood crab pasta salad is best served chilled and is an ideal BBQ side dish, or potluck recipe idea.

Provided by Amy Desrosiers

Categories     Salad

Time 4h22m

Number Of Ingredients 13

8 ounces pasta shells (medium size )
8 ounces imitation crab meat (flake style, shredded )
3/4 cup red bell pepper (diced )
4 tbsps red onion (diced)
2 celery ribs (diced )
3/4 cup salad dressing (Miracle Whip or store brand labeled "salad dressing")
1 cup mayo
3 tbsps whole milk
3 tbsps white wine vinegar
2 tbsps granulated sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp old bay seasoning

Steps:

  • Boil pasta until al dente. Once tender, remove from heat, strain, and rinse with cold water until pasta is cool. Drain excess water.
  • Chop all veggies and mince crab meat.
  • Add ingredients to a large bowl with the dressings, mayo, spices, and pasta.
  • Mix well and cover tightly. Place in the fridge for 4 hours.
  • Unwrap cover and mix well before serving. You will notice the pasta will have sucked up about 50% of the dressing.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 g, Calories 267 kcal, Carbohydrate 23 g, Protein 4 g, Fat 18 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Cholesterol 10 mg, Sodium 472 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 6 g

CREAMY CRAB PASTA SALAD RECIPE



Creamy Crab Pasta Salad Recipe image

Whether you're hosting or attending a summer cookout, this creamy crab pasta salad with black olives and sun-dried tomatoes is a welcome addition.

Provided by Mikayla Marin,Mashed Staff

Categories     side dish

Time 14m

Number Of Ingredients 10

5 sun-dried tomatoes
3/4 pound pasta
1 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
¼ cup red onion, finely diced
2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
¾ cups olives, sliced
8 ounces crabmeat

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. When the water is boiling, ladle a scoop or two over the sun-dried tomatoes in a heat-proof bowl, and set it aside. (If sun-dried tomatoes are in oil, skip the soaking step.)
  • Add the pasta to the remaining boiling water, and cook according to package instructions until it's al dente.
  • Drain and rinse the pasta with cold water, then set aside to cool completely.
  • Combine the mayonnaise, ground cumin, salt, and red wine vinegar in a large bowl, and whisk until smooth and creamy.
  • Finely dice your onion and parsley, and slice the olives. Then, add them to the bowl with the dressing.
  • Remove the sun-dried tomatoes from the water, and gently pat them dry to remove excess moisture. Slice thinly, then add to the dressing.
  • Stir to combine the add-ins with the dressing until lightly coated, then add in the cool pasta, and stir again to coat.
  • Pick through the crabmeat to remove any shells, and add it to the pasta salad. Fold the crab in gently.
  • Chill at least 30 minutes, then serve cold.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 403 calories, Carbohydrate 34 g carbohydrates, Cholesterol 39 mg cholesterol, Fat 25 g fat, Fiber 2 g fiber, Protein 11 g protein, SaturatedFat 4 g saturated fat, ServingSize 0 g, Sodium 426 mg, Sugar 2 g, TransFat 0 g

PASTA CRAB SALAD



Pasta Crab Salad image

"When it comes to cooking, I believe the simpler the better," writes Holland, Michigan's Carol Blauw. "A few years ago, a co-worker told me about this colorful, tasty and, most importantly, easy-to-prepare salad," she says. "It has been a favorite at our house ever since."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

4-1/2 cups uncooked tricolor spiral pasta
1 package (16 ounces) imitation crabmeat, flaked
1/3 cup chopped celery
1/3 cup chopped green pepper
1/3 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
1/2 cup reduced-fat ranch salad dressing
1 teaspoon dill weed

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. Toss with crab and vegetables. Combine remaining ingredients. Pour over pasta mixture; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 242 calories, Fat 7g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 15mg cholesterol, Sodium 579mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

CRAB AND SHRIMP PASTA SALAD



Crab and Shrimp Pasta Salad image

Imitation crab meat and mini shrimp make for a wonderful pasta salad that everyone loves!

Provided by LLUV7877

Categories     Salad     Seafood Salad Recipes     Shrimp Salad Recipes

Time 35m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 (16 ounce) package uncooked tri-colored spiral pasta
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
¼ cup olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
1 (8 ounce) package imitation crabmeat, flaked
1 (6.5 ounce) can tiny shrimp, drained
1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
1 English cucumber, diced
1 (4 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the pasta, and cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain, and rinse under cold water to cool. Transfer to a large bowl, and set aside.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper. Pour over the pasta and stir to coat. Add the crab, shrimp, tomatoes, cucumber, black olives and bell pepper; mix gently to coat with the dressing. Taste, and adjust seasoning if desired. If the pasta is too dry, mix in more mayonnaise.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 445.6 calories, Carbohydrate 50.9 g, Cholesterol 38.5 mg, Fat 20.6 g, Fiber 3.4 g, Protein 14.2 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Sodium 470.5 mg, Sugar 4.4 g

PASTA SALAD WITH IMITATION CRAB



Pasta Salad with Imitation Crab image

Delicious imitation crab pasta salad! Can be halved.

Provided by janet

Time 2h35m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 (16 ounce) package shell pasta
1 (16 ounce) package imitation crabmeat, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 (6 ounce) can sliced black olives
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
3 stalks green onions (white and green parts), sliced
3 stalks celery, diced
1 ½ cups nonfat plain yogurt
¼ cup fat-free mayonnaise
1 tablespoon prepared yellow mustard
1 ½ teaspoons salt-free seasoning blend
1 ½ teaspoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon celery salt
¼ cup Italian vinaigrette

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add shells and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 9 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  • Combine drained pasta, imitation crab, olives, bell pepper, green onions, and celery in a very large bowl.
  • Whisk yogurt, mayonnaise, mustard, seasoning blend, soy sauce, and celery salt together in a small bowl. Pour dressing over pasta mixture and stir until well combined.
  • Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 334.5 calories, Carbohydrate 58.3 g, Cholesterol 12.1 mg, Fat 6.1 g, Fiber 3.6 g, Protein 14.3 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 1135.7 mg, Sugar 10.4 g

CREAMY CRAB SALAD



Creamy Crab Salad image

This easy-on-the-pocket salad beautifully dresses up economical imitation crab. My husband's grandmother gladly shared the recipe. -Barb Stanton, Winona, Minnesota

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 15m

Yield 10-12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 package (16 ounces) medium shell pasta
1 package (16 ounces) imitation crabmeat, flaked
3 green onions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup chopped carrot
1/2 cup chopped cucumber
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1 cup sour cream
1 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon seasoned salt
2 teaspoons cider vinegar
1-1/2 to 2 teaspoons pepper
Leaf lettuce, optional

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. Place in a large bowl; add crab, onions, carrot, cucumber and green pepper. Combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, sugar, seasoned salt, vinegar and pepper; pour over salad and toss to coat. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours. Serve in a lettuce-lined bowl if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 370 calories, Fat 19g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 24mg cholesterol, Sodium 703mg sodium, Carbohydrate 40g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 9g protein.

FAVORITE CRAB PASTA SALAD



Favorite Crab Pasta Salad image

Wanda, a lady at work, made this for a party and boy, did it catch on fast! It's especially good for summer picnics and barbecues. -Cheryl Seweryn, Lemont, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 7 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

3 cups uncooked medium pasta shells
1 pound creamy coleslaw
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon chopped onion
1 teaspoon dill weed
Dash salt
2 cups chopped imitation crabmeat

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large serving bowl, combine the coleslaw, mayonnaise, onion, dill and salt. Stir in crab., Drain pasta and rinse in cold water. Add to coleslaw mixture; toss to coat. Chill until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 376 calories, Fat 20g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 17mg cholesterol, Sodium 508mg sodium, Carbohydrate 39g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 10g protein.

CREAMY CRAB PASTA SALAD



Creamy Crab Pasta Salad image

I've been making this for years. I usually just "chop and dump", so I've gotten the proportions as close as I can, I think. Add more or less mayo, if you like, because I usually don't measure. The same with the tarragon and dill weed. Add more if you like it, less if you don't.

Provided by papergoddess

Categories     Crab

Time 20m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

12 ounces small shell pasta
8 ounces imitation crabmeat, diced
1 stalk celery, chopped fine
1 can black olives, drained and sliced
1 teaspoon dried onion flakes
1 teaspoon dried tarragon
1 teaspoon dill weed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
3/4 cup mayonnaise

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions;drain and rinse with COLD water; drain again.
  • In a large bowl, combine all ingredients.
  • Chill for several hours.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 250.1, Fat 1.1, SaturatedFat 0.2, Cholesterol 7.5, Sodium 520.2, Carbohydrate 48.8, Fiber 2.2, Sugar 4.1, Protein 10.4

QUICK CRAB PASTA SALAD



Quick Crab Pasta Salad image

This medley of crab, pasta and vegetables in a creamy dressing make this a special salad for company as well as everyday. -Estelle Hardin, Kanab, Utah

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 6-8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 cups uncooked tricolor spiral pasta
2 cups imitation crabmeat, chopped
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
3/4 teaspoon celery seed
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Pepper to taste
1 cup fresh broccoli florets
1 cup fresh cauliflowerets

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. In a bowl, combine the crab, sour cream, mayonnaise, celery seed, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Stir in the pasta, broccoli and cauliflower. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts :

Tips:

  • For the best results, use fresh crab meat. If you're using frozen crab meat, be sure to thaw it completely before using.
  • To make the salad ahead of time, cook the pasta and crab meat according to the recipe. Then, let them cool completely and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, combine the pasta, crab meat, and dressing. You can also add other ingredients, such as chopped vegetables or cooked bacon.
  • If you don't have any mayonnaise on hand, you can use sour cream or Greek yogurt instead. Just be sure to adjust the amount of lemon juice or vinegar you add to taste.
  • Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta for this salad. Some good options include penne, rotini, and farfalle.
  • To make a vegetarian version of this salad, omit the crab meat and add some chopped vegetables, such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or tomatoes.

Conclusion:

This creamy crab and pasta salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that's perfect for any occasion. It's also a great way to use up leftover crab meat. With its creamy, tangy dressing and tender crab meat, this salad is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.

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