Best 6 Family Favorite Crab Pasta Salad Quick Easy Recipes

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In the realm of culinary delights, where flavors dance and textures intertwine, there exists a dish that captivates the senses and leaves a trail of satisfaction in its wake: Crab Pasta Salad. This vibrant and versatile dish is a symphony of flavors, a harmonious blend of succulent crab, tender pasta, and a symphony of fresh vegetables, all enveloped in a creamy and tangy dressing.

As you embark on this culinary journey, you will discover a treasure trove of Crab Pasta Salad recipes, each offering a unique twist on this classic dish. From the simplicity of a classic Crab Pasta Salad, where the delicate sweetness of crab takes center stage, to the zesty kick of a Spicy Crab Pasta Salad, which ignites your taste buds with a fiery passion, there's a recipe here to tantalize every palate.

For those who crave a touch of elegance, the sophisticated Crab Pasta Salad with Avocado and Grapefruit will transport you to a realm of refined flavors. The creamy avocado and the tangy grapefruit add a layer of complexity that elevates this dish beyond the ordinary.

And for those who relish the bold and adventurous, the Crab Pasta Salad with Roasted Red Peppers and Arugula is a culinary adventure waiting to be savored. The smoky sweetness of roasted red peppers and the peppery bite of arugula create a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more.

So, prepare your taste buds for a delectable journey as we delve into the world of Crab Pasta Salad, where every bite promises an explosion of flavors and every recipe holds the key to a culinary masterpiece.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

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 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 AND PASTA SALAD



Creamy Crab and Pasta Salad image

Crabmeat and pasta are tossed with a creamy seasoned sauce in this great chilled salad.

Provided by dakota kelly

Categories     Salad     Seafood Salad Recipes     Crab Salad Recipes

Time 27m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 (12 ounce) package uncooked pasta shells
½ cup light sour cream
½ cup light mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey mustard
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 pound cooked crabmeat
½ cup diced red bell pepper
½ cup diced green bell pepper
½ cup chopped green onions

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta shells 10 to 12 minutes, until al dente, and drain.
  • In a bowl, blend the sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey mustard, and dill. Season with salt and pepper.
  • In a large bowl, toss together the cooked pasta, sour cream mixture, crabmeat, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and green onions. Cover and chill until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 295 calories, Carbohydrate 35.6 g, Cholesterol 54.3 mg, Fat 8.6 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 19.2 g, SaturatedFat 2.2 g, Sodium 504.1 mg, Sugar 3.5 g

FAMILY FAVORITE CRAB PASTA SALAD (QUICK & EASY)



Family Favorite Crab Pasta Salad (Quick & Easy) image

This is a wonderful, tasty, semi-homemade, go-to salad recipe that I use often in the spring and summer. Delicious as a side salad, light lunch or potluck dish when you are asked to bring a salad. Can be made as a light, healthy, low-cal dish by simply swapping out the full-fat mayo with light or fat-free mayo. Feel free to add...

Provided by Family Favorites

Categories     Salads

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 7

8 oz. uncooked medium pasta shells
1 lb. your favorite prepared creamy coleslaw (or your own recipe)
1/2 cup mayonaise
1 tbsp. chopped onion
1 tsp. dill weed
dash of salt & pepper (depending on how salty your coleslaw is)
2 cups crab meat, imitation crab meat or small, cooked shrimp

Steps:

  • 1. So easy! Cook pasta according to package instructions. In large bowl, combine coleslaw, mayo, onion, dill and salt and pepper (if using). Gently stir in crab meat.
  • 2. Drain pasta and rinse in cold water. Add to coleslaw mixture. Toss to coat. Chill until ready to serve.

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 :

CRAB PASTA SALAD



Crab Pasta Salad image

This salad has a very good blend of flavors. It's easy to make and especially delicious on a hot day.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 cups uncooked medium shell pasta
1-1/2 cups imitation crabmeat, chopped
1 cup fresh broccoli florets
1/2 cup diced green pepper
1/2 cup quartered cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped green onions
DRESSING:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup creamy Italian salad dressing
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. Place in a large bowl. Stir in crab, broccoli, green pepper, tomatoes and onions. , For dressing, combining dressing ingredients; pour over salad and gently toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 2-4 hours.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 370 calories, Fat 20g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 14mg cholesterol, Sodium 488mg sodium, Carbohydrate 36g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 11g protein.

Tips:

  • Use fresh crab meat for the best flavor. If you're using frozen crab meat, thaw it completely before adding it to the salad.
  • Cook the pasta al dente so that it still has a slight bite to it.
  • Don't overdress the salad. A light vinaigrette is all you need to enhance the flavors of the crab, pasta, and vegetables.
  • Serve the salad immediately or chill it for later. It's even better the next day!

Conclusion:

Crab pasta salad is a quick, easy, and delicious meal that's perfect for any occasion. It's packed with flavor and nutrients, and it's sure to be a hit with the whole family. So next time you're looking for a light and refreshing meal, give this crab pasta salad a try. You won't be disappointed!

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