There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of pasta salad, and this Creamy Crab Pasta Salad takes that comfort to a whole new level. With tender rotini pasta, succulent pieces of imitation crab, and a luxuriously creamy dressing, every bite offers a satisfying mix of texture and flavor. The light zing of herbs and the crunch of fresh parsley create a beautiful contrast to the richness of the dressing, making it a standout dish whether you’re serving it at a picnic, potluck, or for a simple family dinner.

This recipe strikes a perfect balance between indulgent and refreshing. The creamy base doesn’t overpower the delicate seafood flavor of the crab, and the spiral pasta captures all the creamy goodness in its folds. It’s quick to prepare, easy to customize, and perfect for making ahead. You’ll find it works great as a main course, a hearty side, or even a go-to meal prep idea for lunch. If you’re looking for a fresh twist on traditional pasta salad, this is the dish for you.

Ingredients for Creamy Crab Pasta Salad

12 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
1 lb imitation crab meat, chopped
1 cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Optional: diced celery or red onions for added crunch

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water to cool the pasta quickly and stop the cooking process. This also helps prevent the pasta from sticking together.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as desired. This dressing should be tangy, rich, and slightly zesty to complement the crab flavor.

Step 3: Mix the Salad

Add the cooled pasta and chopped imitation crab meat to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold the ingredients together until the pasta and crab are well coated. Make sure to distribute the dressing evenly without breaking up the crab pieces too much.

Step 4: Add Fresh Herbs and Optional Ingredients

Sprinkle in the chopped parsley for a burst of freshness. If you’re including diced celery or red onions for crunch, fold them in at this stage. These optional add-ins can bring extra texture and flavor depth to the salad.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This helps the flavors meld and the dressing to thicken slightly. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and garnish with additional parsley if desired.

Estimated Nutrition (Per 1-cup serving)

Calories: ~320
Protein: 9g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 500mg
Cholesterol: 30mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on specific brands and ingredient substitutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of crab should I use?

You can use imitation crab meat for convenience and affordability. However, real lump crab meat adds a more authentic seafood flavor if you’re willing to splurge.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. It’s even better when made a few hours in advance to allow the flavors to blend. Just keep it chilled until ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While rotini works great due to its shape, you can use macaroni, penne, or farfalle—anything that holds sauce well.

Is this dish served hot or cold?

It’s traditionally served cold, which makes it ideal for summer meals, potlucks, or lunch prep.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes. Substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with your favorite dairy-free alternatives. Make sure they are unsweetened and plain.

What veggies go well in this salad?

Common additions include diced celery, red onion, bell pepper, or even frozen peas for color and crunch.

How long does it last in the fridge?

It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container.

Can I add cheese to this pasta salad?

You can, though it’s not traditional. A small amount of shredded mozzarella or parmesan can be added for extra richness.

Creamy Crab Pasta Salad

Author: Julia Walton
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Craving a quick, satisfying dish that checks every box for flavor and ease? This Creamy Crab Pasta Salad is the answer! It’s one of those perfect food ideas that works as a quick lunch, a chilled dinner side, or a go-to for gatherings. This easy recipe blends tender rotini pasta with creamy, tangy dressing and sweet chunks of crab meat. Whether you’re looking for summer picnic ideas, easy dinner recipes, or cold meal prep for lunch, this pasta salad delivers on all fronts.

Rich yet refreshing, the creamy base wraps around every spiral of pasta, ensuring no bite is bland. Plus, the bright parsley and optional crunchy veggies keep it lively and light. It’s a great way to impress without spending hours in the kitchen—and it stores well too!

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Season dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
Add cooled pasta and chopped crab meat to the bowl. Mix gently.
Stir in parsley and any optional veggies like celery or red onion.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Stir before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Category: Dinner