Crab Pasta Salad with Creamy Italian Dressing

If you’re looking for a tasty way to use imitation crab meat you’ve come to the right place. This crab pasta salad is made with creamy Italian dressing and has flavor and flair. Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, and summer entertaining.

Jump to Recipe

During the summertime, there is something so deliciously convenient about chilled pasta salad. I love that this meal can be prepared in the morning for a delightful combination of ingredients that taste better once meddled together in the refrigerator.

I know some people aren’t crazy about imitation crab meat, but it’s one of my favorite foods. I love it in seafood salad and mixed with pasta and cheese. Imitation crab is also relatively cheap and contains a good amount of protein with 6 grams per serving. I love how it pairs so deliciously with vegetables like celery and bell pepper.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

Delicious and Easy: It’s a crowd-pleasing combination of tender pasta, sweet and savory imitation crab, and crunchy vegetables. Plus, it’s very easy to throw together, making it perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.

Affordable: Imitation crab is a budget-friendly alternative to real crab meat, allowing you to enjoy the taste of seafood without breaking the bank.

Versatile: The base recipe is easily customizable. You can adjust the vegetables, add different cheeses, or swap the dressing for something else.

Light and Refreshing: It’s a perfect summer side dish or a light lunch option. The creamy dressing and fresh vegetables make it cool and flavorful.

Ingredients

Small pasta shells form the base and hold the flavors.

Flaked imitation crab adds the savory protein element.

Diced vegetables (peppers, celery, carrots, onion) provide contrasting textures and flavors.

Creamy Italian dressing creates the creamy base and delivers most of the seasoning.

Mayonnaise adds richness and creaminess to the dressing.

Seasonings (onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper) enhance overall flavor.

Fresh parsley adds a final touch of brightness and freshness.

Making Crab Pasta Salad with Creamy Italian Dressing

Cook pasta, rinse, cool.

Combine pasta, crab, veggies, herbs in a bowl.

Whisk dressing and mayo, pour over salad, toss gently.

Chill at least 3 hours, garnish with parsley (optional).

FAQS

What is Imitation Crab Meat?

• What is imitation crab? Imitation crab, also known as surimi, is a processed seafood product made from white fish flakes that are surimi-ed (finely chopped and bound together) and flavored to resemble crab meat. I love using it in recipes like this Seafood Salad, Zesty Crab Salad, or this Crab Pasta Salad.
• Can I use real crab instead? Absolutely! Real crab will elevate the flavor of your salad significantly. Look for fresh or lump crabmeat for the best results. Be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly as real crab might be saltier than imitation crab.

Ingredients and Variations:

• What kind of pasta should I use? Short, curly pastas like rotini, cavatappi, or fusilli will also work well because they hold onto the dressing and other ingredients. Aside from small shells, penne, or macaroni are also good options.
• What vegetables can I add? This recipe is very versatile. Popular choices include red onion for crunch, diced red bell pepper for sweetness, chopped cucumber for coolness, cherry tomatoes for a burst of flavor, or sliced black olives for a salty touch.

Preparation and Storage:

• Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes! Prepare the salad and dressing separately, then combine them just before serving. This allows the flavors to develop without the pasta getting soggy. The salad will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Sadly, this pasta salad cannot be frozen.

Imitation Crab Salad Recipes to Try Today

• Air Fryer Crab Meat Mushrooms
• Hot Crab Rangoon Dip
• Cheesy Crab Pasta Casserole