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Creamy Crab Pasta Salad


  • Author: Sara McKenney
  • Total Time: 6-8 servings

Description

Looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for warm-weather meals? This Creamy Crab Pasta Salad checks every box. It’s a quick lunch option, a cool and creamy side dish, and an ideal star for your next picnic, potluck, or weeknight dinner. Tender rotini pasta mingles with sweet chunks of crab and crisp vegetables, all wrapped in a luscious mayo-based dressing with just the right amount of zing. It’s one of those easy recipes that you’ll keep coming back to—whether you’re after seafood dinner ideas, a summer food fix, or a make-ahead dish that gets better with time. The creamy texture, the fresh herb notes, and the gentle tang all create a crave-worthy balance you won’t want to miss.


Ingredients

  • 3 cups rotini pasta (uncooked)
  • 1 lb imitation crab meat (or real crab)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped red or green onion (optional)
  • 1 stalk celery, diced (optional)
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or dill sprigs for garnish

Instructions

  1. Boil rotini in salted water until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Let pasta cool completely before mixing.
  3. Chop or shred imitation crab into bite-sized pieces.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and pepper.
  5. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, crab, celery, onions, and herbs.
  6. Pour dressing over and gently mix until everything is well coated.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
  8. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve chilled.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Chill Time: 1 hour