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A wooden spoon inside a white bowl of crab pasta salad.
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4.42 from 31 votes

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
Cook Time12 minutes
4 hours
Total Time4 hours 22 minutes
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

Equipment

  • 6-quart pot
  • cutting board & knife
  • Measuring cups & spoons 

Ingredients

  • 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

Instructions

  • 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.

Notes

Nutritional values may differ and are meant to be a guide. 
Store salad in the fridge for up to 2 days for freshest taste. 
 

Nutrition

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