Mediterranean Crab Pasta Salad

Table of Contents

This Mediterranean Crab Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavor-packed dish that combines creamy dressing with tender shell pasta, sweet crab meat, and crisp, colorful veggies. Inspired by coastal Mediterranean flavors, it features bright lemon juice, fragrant fresh dill, Old Bay seasoning, and crunchy add-ins like celery, onions, and pickles for a tangy, herbaceous bite.

Whether you’re planning a summer picnic, a light family dinner, or a make-ahead meal prep lunch, this seafood pasta salad delivers comfort and sophistication in one bowl.

Total Time:

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Chill Time (optional): 30 minutes

Total Time: 25–40 minutes

Ingredients:

12 oz small shell pasta

1¼ cups mayonnaise (use olive-oil mayo for a Mediterranean feel)

2½ tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 tsp garlic powder

1½ tsp Old Bay seasoning

1 cup salt (Note: likely a typo in original—use 1 tsp salt instead)

¼ tsp black pepper

2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped

⅓ cup dill pickles, diced

12 oz imitation crab meat, shredded or chopped

1 cup celery, finely chopped

⅓ cup red onion, finely diced

⅓ cup green onions, sliced

1 cup frozen peas, thawed

Instructions:

Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the shell pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.

Make the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, salt, black pepper, and fresh dill. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Mix the Salad
To the dressing, add the chopped dill pickles, imitation crab, celery, red onion, green onions, and thawed peas. Stir gently to combine.

Add the Pasta
Add the cooled shell pasta to the bowl. Gently fold everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the dressing.

Chill and Serve
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. Garnish with extra dill or green onions if desired.

Tips:

Use Real Crab (If Available):
While imitation crab is convenient, using real lump crab meat or flaked canned crab will elevate the flavor and align better with Mediterranean cuisine.

Don’t Overcook the Pasta:
Cook the shell pasta just until al dente. Overcooked pasta will become mushy when tossed with the creamy dressing.

Chill Before Serving:
Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dressing to thicken slightly.

Thaw Peas Properly:
Rinse frozen peas in cold water to thaw quickly without cooking them. This keeps them sweet and crisp.

Finely Dice Crunchy Ingredients:
Dice celery, onions, and pickles small so they distribute evenly and give crunch without overpowering.

Season Gradually:
Add salt to taste. The original recipe lists 1 cup, but 1 teaspoon is likely correct—adjust carefully, especially if your crab or pickles are salty.

Use Quality Mayo or Substitute:
A high-quality olive oil mayo or half-and-half with plain Greek yogurt adds a fresher Mediterranean taste.

Variations:

Mediterranean Herb Boost:
Add chopped fresh parsley, basil, or mint along with dill for more Mediterranean aromatics.

Add Cheese:
Crumbled feta cheese or shaved Parmesan brings salty, creamy notes that pair beautifully with seafood.

Make It Lighter:
Swap ½ the mayo for plain Greek yogurt or light sour cream for a lighter, tangier flavor.

Make It Spicy:
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, hot paprika, or a drizzle of harissa paste for a warm kick.

Add More Veggies:
Try diced cucumber, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or cherry tomatoes for a more Mediterranean vegetable profile.

Olive & Capers Addition:
Stir in sliced Kalamata olives or a few capers for a tangy, briny pop.

Switch the Pasta:
Use orzo, fusilli, or even cooked farro instead of shell pasta for different textures and more Mediterranean authenticity.

Add a Zesty Drizzle:
Before serving, drizzle the salad with a little extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.

Make It a Meal:
Serve over a bed of greens like arugula or baby spinach, or pair with toasted pita bread or flatbread for a complete dish.

Serve Warm or Cold:
Though traditionally served chilled, this pasta salad can also be enjoyed slightly warm with freshly cooked pasta and warm crab.

FAQs:

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! It’s even better when made a few hours ahead—just store covered in the fridge.

Q: How long does it last in the fridge?
A: It will keep well for 3–4 days when stored in an airtight container.

Q: Can I freeze crab pasta salad?
A: Freezing is not recommended due to the mayonnaise-based dressing.

Nutrition (Estimated per Serving – 1 cup):

Calories: ~320

Conclusion:

This Mediterranean Crab Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleasing dish packed with creamy texture, fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and satisfying seafood flavor. It’s the ultimate chilled pasta salad that brings the breezy essence of the Mediterranean to your plate—whether you’re enjoying it at a summer picnic or a weekday lunch!