Crab Pasta Salad
This Easy Creamy Crab Pasta Salad is the ultimate budget-friendly side dish for summer BBQs, potlucks, and meal prep. Made with tender rotini pasta, sweet imitation crab, crisp celery, and a rich, tangy mayo-salad dressing (Miracle Whip) infused with Old Bay, it delivers classic seafood flavor in under 20 minutes. It's a quick, make-ahead crowd-pleaser that balances rich, savory goodness with a refreshing crunch.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time12 minutes mins
4 hours hrs
Total Time4 hours hrs 22 minutes mins
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: crab pasta salad, easy summer pasta salad, immitation crab salad, seafood pasta salad, seafood salad pasta
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 267cal
Cost: $6
6-quart pot
cutting board & knife
Measuring cups & spoons
- 8 ounces pasta shells medium size *can also use rotini
- 8 ounces imitation crab meat flake style, shredded
- ¾ cup red bell pepper diced
- 4 tbsps red onion diced
- 2 celery ribs diced
Dressing
- ¾ cup salad dressing Miracle Whip or store brand labeled "salad dressing"
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons whole milk
- 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon old bay seasoning
Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, crab meat, celery, bell peppers, and red onion.
In a small bowl combine the dressing ingredients and whisk.
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat.
Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Nutritional values may differ and are meant to be a guide.
Store salad in the fridge for up to 2 days for freshest taste.
Serving: 1g | Calories: 267cal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 472mg | Potassium: 88mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 319IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1mg