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Whether you serve it as a hearty side or a light dinner, this salad strikes a perfect balance of texture and flavor. It’s creamy, refreshing, and packed with color and crunch.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
- Perfect for Summer: Cool, crisp, and creamy—everything you want in warm weather.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Preps easily the day before and tastes even better after chilling.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s colorful, comforting, and loaded with familiar flavors that appeal to all ages.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a main dish, serve it at a cookout, or pack it for lunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salad:
- 2 cups bowtie pasta (or any small pasta), cooked and cooled
- 2 cups imitation crab meat (surimi), chopped
- 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 cup carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced (optional for a little zing)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Dressing:
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions.
- Drain, then rinse under cold water to cool it quickly and stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- 2. Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- 3. Prep the Salad Ingredients
- Chop the imitation crab meat into bite-sized pieces. Slice cucumbers thinly, chop the carrots, and finely dice the red onion if you’re using it.
- 4. Combine Everything
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, crab meat, cucumber, carrots, red onion, and dill. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
- 5. Chill and Serve
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors blend. Just before serving, give it one more toss and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh dill or black pepper.
- Tips & Variations
- Want more veggies? Add sweet peas, celery, or bell pepper for extra crunch and color.
- Make it protein-rich: Toss in some cooked shrimp or hard-boiled eggs.
- Lower-calorie option: Use light mayo or plain Greek yogurt.
- For seafood lovers: Swap imitation crab for real lump crab meat for an elevated twist.
- Storage
- This salad stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. In fact, it may taste even better on the second day as the flavors continue to develop.
- Serve It With…
- Grilled chicken or seafood
- Corn on the cob
- Fresh watermelon slices
- Garlic bread or rolls
- Final Thoughts
- Creamy Crab Pasta Salad is one of those timeless recipes that brings people together. It’s cool, comforting, and packed with nostalgic charm. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or making lunch for the week, this dish hits all the right notes: creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory.
So grab a big bowl, chill it down, and get ready to watch it disappear—because this is one summer classic that never goes out of style