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A serving bowl filled with freshly made crab pasta salad, garnished with sprigs of fresh dill. The bowl is placed on the white marble cooktop, with a spoon resting beside it, ready for serving.

Crab Pasta Salad Recipe

This creamy Crab Pasta Salad is a refreshing mix of tender pasta, sweet imitation crab, and crisp veggies, all tossed in a rich, tangy dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or meal prep!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 393 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Colander (for draining pasta)
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk or spoon (for mixing dressing)
  • Knife and cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound medium or small pasta shells
  • 1 pound imitation crab meat
  • 1 cup finely chopped celery
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrot optional
  • 2 1/2 cups mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • fresh dill optional for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions, then drain and let it cool.
    A black pot on the white marble cooktop, filled with boiling salted water. Medium pasta shells are being poured in, creating gentle ripples in the water. Steam rises as the pasta starts to soften, preparing for the salad.
  • Chop the imitation crab meat into bite-sized pieces.
    A wooden cutting board on the white marble cooktop with imitation crab meat being chopped into bite-sized pieces. A sharp knife rests beside the neatly cut crab, ready to be added to the salad.
  • In a large bowl, mix pasta, crab, celery, and shredded carrots (if using).
    A large glass mixing bowl on the white marble cooktop containing cooked pasta shells, chopped imitation crab meat, finely chopped celery, and shredded carrots. The ingredients are evenly distributed, showcasing a colorful mix.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, milk, sugar, salt, and pepper.
    A small glass bowl on the white marble cooktop with mayonnaise, milk, sugar, salt, and pepper being whisked together. The dressing is smooth and creamy, ready to coat the salad ingredients.
  • Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
    A large spoon is stirring the crab pasta salad, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated with the rich and creamy dressing. The glass mixing bowl sits on the white marble cooktop, with the salad looking vibrant and well-mixed.
  • Garnish with fresh dill, if desired.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
  • Serve chilled and enjoy!
    A serving bowl filled with freshly made crab pasta salad, garnished with sprigs of fresh dill. The bowl is placed on the white marble cooktop, with a spoon resting beside it, ready for serving.