Pasta Salad with Shrimp, Crab, and Veggies Recipe
This Pasta Salad with Shrimp, Crab, and Veggies is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or a refreshing dinner option. Combining tender shrimp, crab meat, and vibrant veggies with tri-color rotini and a tangy Italian dressing, this salad is packed with flavor and nutrition. Quick, easy, and delicious, it’s the perfect dish to serve when you need something light and filling!
Ingredients for Pasta Salad:
- 3 boxes tri-color rotini
- 3 small cucumbers, diced
- 2 bags of large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 packs of crab meat
- 1 bunch of green onions, sliced
- 1 pack cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 bottle Olive Garden Italian dressing
- Salad Supreme seasoning, to taste
- Old Bay seasoning, to season shrimp
- Complete seasoning, to season shrimp
- 1 stick butter, for cooking shrimp
Instructions for Pasta Salad with Shrimp, Crab, and Veggies:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Begin by cooking the tri-color rotini according to package instructions. Once done, drain and rinse the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
- While the pasta is cooling, heat 1 stick of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the raw shrimp with Old Bay seasoning and Complete seasoning to taste.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink and are cooked through, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Veggies
- While the shrimp is cooling, chop the cucumbers into small bite-sized pieces and halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Slice the green onions into thin rings.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta, chopped cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced green onions.
- Add the cooked shrimp and crab meat to the bowl, gently mixing to combine all the ingredients.
Step 5: Dress the Salad
- Pour the Olive Garden Italian dressing over the salad, starting with about half the bottle and adding more to taste.
- Season the salad with Salad Supreme seasoning to taste, stirring gently to combine.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to marinate and the salad to chill.
- Serve cold and enjoy your delicious Pasta Salad with Shrimp, Crab, and Veggies!
Why You’ll Love This Pasta Salad
This Pasta Salad with Shrimp, Crab, and Veggies is packed with fresh flavors and textures, from the crunchy cucumbers to the juicy shrimp and sweet crab meat. The vibrant tri-color rotini adds a colorful and fun element to the dish, while the creamy Italian dressing ties everything together. It’s the perfect dish to serve at any summer gathering or family meal!
Tips for Success
- Customize the dressing: If you prefer a lighter dressing, try using a low-fat Italian dressing or making your own with olive oil, vinegar, and herbs.
- Make it ahead: This pasta salad tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight, as the flavors meld together.
- Add more veggies: You can add other veggies like bell peppers, olives, or even a handful of spinach for extra color and flavor.
- Substitute seafood: If you’re not a fan of shrimp or crab, feel free to substitute with cooked chicken, tuna, or another seafood option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use cooked shrimp instead of raw?
Yes, if you have cooked shrimp on hand, you can use that instead. Just be sure to chop it into bite-sized pieces and toss it in at the same stage.
How long will this pasta salad last?
This pasta salad will stay fresh for about 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta may absorb some of the dressing over time, so you can always add a little more dressing before serving.
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this salad vegetarian by omitting the shrimp and crab and adding extra veggies, like avocado or chickpeas for added texture and protein.
Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Classic Greek Pasta Salad: A tangy, herby pasta salad packed with cucumbers, feta, and Kalamata olives.
- Seafood Pasta Salad: A delicious mix of shrimp, crab, and pasta in a creamy dressing, perfect for any occasion.
- Grilled Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad: A twist on the classic Caesar salad, with grilled chicken and pasta.
