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Creamy Crab Pasta Salad Recipe

This creamy crab pasta salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish made with tender pasta, sweet crab meat, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for warm days, quick lunches, or gatherings, it’s easy to prepare and tastes even better when chilled.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups rotini or elbow pasta (uncooked)
  • 12 oz crab meat (real or imitation), chopped
  • 1 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp sour cream
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)

Equipment

  • large pot for boiling pasta
  • colander for draining pasta
  • large mixing bowl
  • knife for chopping ingredients
  • cutting board
  • mixing spoon

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions in salted water. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cool.
  2. While the pasta cools, chop the crab meat and dice all vegetables into small, even pieces.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and seasonings.
  4. Add the cooled pasta, crab meat, and vegetables to the bowl.
  5. Gently mix until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra lemon juice if needed.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor.

Notes

Rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Use fresh lemon juice for brighter flavor. Chop ingredients evenly for best texture. Chill before serving to allow flavors to blend. Add extra mayo or lemon juice before serving if needed to refresh the texture.