Wonderful Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe

Introduction

Seafood pasta salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that’s perfect for picnics, BBQs, or as a light summer meal. Made with a combination of fresh seafood, pasta, and crisp vegetables, this versatile salad can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you prefer shrimp, crab, or a mix of seafood, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. In this article, we’ll share a delicious seafood pasta salad recipe that’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

To make a mouthwatering seafood pasta salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 8 ounces of pasta (such as fusilli or penne)
• 1 pound of mixed seafood (shrimp, crab, or a combination)
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup of red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup of cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup of black olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup of fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup of lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

To prepare this delicious seafood pasta salad, follow these simple steps:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside to cool.
2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the seafood and cook until it turns pink and opaque. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Drain the seafood and rinse with cold water.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, seafood, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumbers, black olives, parsley, and basil. Toss gently to combine.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
5. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld together. You can also refrigerate overnight for even more taste.
6. Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and adjust the seasonings if necessary. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and basil for added freshness.
7. Serve the seafood pasta salad chilled and enjoy the burst of flavors and textures.

FAQ

1. Can I use pre-cooked seafood for this salad?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked seafood for this salad. Just make sure it is fully thawed before adding it to the pasta salad.

2. Can I substitute the pasta with a gluten-free alternative?

Absolutely! If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free pasta or even substitute with cooked quinoa or spiralized zucchini noodles.

3. How long can I store the seafood pasta salad?

The seafood pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to give it a good stir before serving leftovers.

4. Can I add other vegetables or ingredients to the salad?

Of course! You can customize the salad by adding your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, or avocado. Additionally, you can add some feta cheese or diced mozzarella for extra creaminess.

5. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it a day in advance and let it chill in the refrigerator overnight to allow the flavors to develop. Just give it a stir before serving.