Creamy Seafood Pasta Salad Two Ways: Pasta or Cauliflower.

Enjoy this seafood pasta salad in two variations: using traditional pasta or cauliflower - both are scrumptious! You'll love the combination of high-protein shrimp and crab with a crunchiness from fresh veggies and a tangy sweetness from the dressing! This salad becomes gluten-free, low-carb, and keto-friendly by substituting cauliflower and using our sugar-free French dressing.

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It's a must-make.

This crab and shrimp salad gives you two delicious ways to enjoy it, making it easy to fit whatever you're craving.

• Versatile. Use traditional pasta shells for a classic seafood pasta salad or swap in cauliflower for a lighter version. I tested both, and honestly, they're equally delicious.
• Creamy, crunchy, and tangy. Tender shrimp and crab pair perfectly with crisp vegetables and a creamy dressing with just the right balance of tangy sweetness.
• High in protein. Shrimp and crab make this a satisfying salad that's perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
• Easy to make lighter. Use cauliflower and sugar-free French dressing for a gluten-free, low-carb version that's loaded with fresh flavor.

Let's talk texture and flavor.

Every bite of this seafood pasta salad has a little bit of everything. The shrimp and crab are tender and savory, while the celery, carrots, tomatoes, and green onions add fresh, crunchy texture. The creamy dressing brings a tangy sweetness that ties it all together, making this salad refreshing enough for summer but satisfying enough to enjoy year-round.

What you'll need.

Here's what your going to need to make this seafood pasta salad recipe.

• Pasta Shells or Cauliflower Florets: Choose your favorite version - classic pasta or a lighter cauliflower option.
• Celery: Adds fresh flavor and crunchy texture.
• Ripe Tomatoes: Bring a juicy pop of freshness.
• Carrot: Adds color, crunch, and subtle sweetness.
• Green Onion: Provides mild onion flavor without overpowering the seafood.
• Imitation Crabmeat: A classic addition that adds savory seafood flavor.
• Cooked Shrimp: Tender, high-protein, and delicious.
• Sour Cream: Adds richness and tang.
• Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base for the dressing.
• Catalina French Dressing: Adds sweetness, color, and extra flavor.
• Kosher Salt or Sea Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds a little seasoning and balance.

Customize it your way.

This pasta salad with seafood recipe is easy to customize based on what you have or enjoy.

• Substitute lump crab meat for imitation crab.
• Add diced cucumber for extra crunch and freshness.
• Stir in chopped hard-boiled eggs for even more protein.
• Add fresh dill or parsley for a bright herbal finish.
• Use Thousand Island dressing instead of Catalina dressing for a sweeter variation.
• Toss in a handful of diced bell peppers for extra color and crunch.

Flexible dietary swaps.

One of the best things about seafood pasta salad is how easy it is to adapt to fit different dietary needs.

• Gluten-Free: Use cauliflower or your favorite gluten-free pasta.
• Lower-Carb: Replace the pasta with steamed cauliflower florets.
• Lower-Fat: Use light mayonnaise and light sour cream.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute your favorite dairy-free sour cream alternative.
• Lower-Sugar: Use a sugar-free French or Catalina dressing.
• Higher Protein: Add extra shrimp and crab while reducing the pasta or cauliflower slightly.

How to make this pasta salad with seafood recipe.

This seafood pasta salad comes together quickly and only gets better after chilling.

1. Cook the pasta until tender, then drain and rinse under cold water. If using cauliflower, steam until crisp-tender and let cool.
2. Add the pasta or cauliflower to a large bowl along with the celery, tomatoes, carrots, green onions, shrimp, and crab.
3. Stir together the sour cream, mayonnaise, Catalina dressing, salt, and pepper until everything is evenly coated.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Give it a quick stir and adjust the seasoning if needed.

How to serve it.

Seafood pasta salad is right at home at summer cookouts, family dinners, and meal-prep lunches.

• Serve over crisp lettuce for a light lunch.
• Pair with grilled steak for an easy surf-and-turf meal.
• Add fresh melon on the side for a refreshing summer plate.
• Enjoy it as a light dinner all on its own.
• If you're serving the pasta version, add a warm dinner roll, breadstick, or biscuit alongside.

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