A refreshing, creamy, and flavor-packed seafood pasta salad — the perfect make-ahead dish for warm weather lunches, potlucks, or coastal-inspired dinners!
This Creamy Crab Pasta Salad is cool, crisp, and coated in a tangy-smooth dressing that perfectly complements sweet crab and crunchy veggies. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or meal-prepping for the week, this salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
🍽️ Recipe Card
Yield: 4–6 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Dietary Tags: Pescatarian | Make-Ahead | High-Protein
✅ Ingredients
🥗 For the Salad:
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2 cups bowtie pasta (or any small pasta), cooked & cooled
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2 cups imitation crab meat (surimi), chopped
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1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
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1 cup carrots, peeled & chopped
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¼ cup red onion, finely diced (optional)
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2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
🥣 For the Creamy Dressing:
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¾ cup mayonnaise
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¼ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and let cool completely.
2️⃣ Make the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and seasonings until smooth and creamy.
3️⃣ Prep the Ingredients
Chop imitation crab into bite-sized chunks. Thinly slice cucumber, carrots, and red onion.
4️⃣ Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, crab, veggies, and dill. Pour dressing over top and gently toss until evenly coated.
5️⃣ Chill and Serve
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld. Garnish with extra dill or a sprinkle of black pepper.
💡 Quick Tips
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Rinse the pasta in cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
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For a lighter version, swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt.
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If using real crab meat, pick through for shell pieces before mixing.
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Best served chilled — it gets even better the next day!
🌟 Introduction
There’s something nostalgic about a chilled pasta salad that tastes like summer. This Creamy Crab Pasta Salad brings together tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and creamy dressing for a dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
It’s versatile too — serve it as a side with grilled meats, pile it into lettuce cups, or make it the star of a light lunch. With its delicate seafood flavor and fresh dill notes, it’s an instant classic for any occasion.
🍴 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Step 1 – Prep Your Base
Choose small pasta like bowties, shells, or elbows — they hold the dressing perfectly. Rinse well and cool to keep the salad light.
Step 2 – The Creamy Magic
The tangy lemon-Dijon dressing ties it all together — rich yet refreshing, coating each bite with balanced flavor.
Step 3 – The Perfect Chill
One hour in the fridge makes all the difference. The flavors deepen, and the salad becomes silky and cohesive — the kind that gets better with time.
🌿 Ingredient Details & Substitutions
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Crab Meat: Imitation crab (surimi) keeps it budget-friendly, but you can use fresh or canned lump crab for a gourmet version.
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Pasta: Any short pasta works — elbow macaroni, rotini, or shells all hold the dressing beautifully.
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Dressing Base: Use light mayo or a mix of mayo and Greek yogurt for a healthier take.
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Add-ins: Try chopped celery, green onions, peas, or even sweet corn for texture and sweetness.
🍋 Serving & Pairing Suggestions
Serve this Creamy Crab Pasta Salad:
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Alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or burgers
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With fresh lemon wedges for brightness
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As part of a seafood platter or picnic spread
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Or in lettuce wraps for a low-carb twist
Pair with iced tea, lemonade, or white wine for the perfect warm-weather meal.
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
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Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Do Not Freeze: Dairy-based dressing doesn’t freeze well.
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Meal Prep Tip: Keep dressing separate until ready to serve for maximum freshness.
🧮 Nutrition (Per Serving, Approx.)
Calories: 340 | Protein: 16g | Carbs: 32g | Fat: 15g | Fiber: 2g
Dietary Highlights: Pescatarian | High-Protein | Low-Sugar
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! It actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours as the flavors blend beautifully.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Substitute the sour cream with a vegan mayo or dairy-free yogurt alternative.
Q: What if I don’t like imitation crab?
A: Use real crab, shrimp, or even cooked chicken for a twist.
Q: How do I keep it from drying out?
A: Add a tablespoon of milk or a little extra mayo before serving if it’s been chilled overnight.
❤️ The Story Behind the Recipe
This recipe brings back memories of summer picnics by the water — a big bowl of creamy crab pasta salad, sunshine, and laughter. It’s a reminder that simple food, made with care, can taste like nostalgia.
The dill adds brightness, the dressing adds depth, and the crab brings that subtle sweetness that makes this dish irresistible.
💬 Join the Conversation
Tried this Creamy Crab Pasta Salad?
Share your version with #CrabSaladLove and tell us — do you go classic with dill, or do you add your own twist (like corn or peas)? 🦀💙