Crab Pasta Salad

4.65 from 28 votes

Posted: 07/08/20 Updated: 09/04/21

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We love pasta salads and this Crab Pasta Salad is always a hit at parties, backyard BBQ’s and holidays. It’s super simple and is loaded with imitation crab meat, peas, broccoli, green pepper and onion. If you are looking for a delicious salad recipe for the summer you have to try this one!

PIN IT FOR LATER!

Close up image showing half of a bowl of crab pasta salad with spagheti noodles, creamy dressing, green onions, imitation crab meat etc.

Pasta salads are a staple for summer parties! I haven’t been to a backyard party that doesn’t feature some type of this salad. One of my favorites is this easy, creamy Crab Pasta Salad.

It’s a cold salad that can be made ahead of time and simply pulled out and served at a party. This is always great because I love prepping things ahead of time when I’m hosting!

You could even serve it as a main dish for dinner on busy weeknights. It’s loaded with vegetables, pasta and imitation crab meat making it a meal in one bowl.

Overhead image showing ingredients for salad like spaghetti noodles, green onions, peas, broccoli, mayonnaise, etc.

Contents show

Ingredients Needed

Spaghetti
Imitation crab meat
Peas
Broccoli florets
Green pepper
Green onion
Mayonnaise
Italian salad dressing
Parmesan cheese

If you would like to use a different type of pasta you can use whatever you have on hand. Just make sure to cook whatever you use to al dente so it holds up and doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the dressing.

Salad dressing mixed together with whisk sitting in glass bowl.

Glass bowl showing green peppers, broccoli, imitation crab meat and peas.

Steps to Prepare

The first step to making this salad is to prepare the pasta according to package directions. Drain the pasta when is cooked to al dente and rinse with cold water to help prevent the pasta from sticking together and stop the cooking process.
Next grab a large bowl and combine your crab, peas, broccoli, pepper, onion and pasta.
In a different small mixing bowl whisk together mayonnaise, salad dressing and Parmesan cheese. Pour this mixture over your pasta mixture and toss to coat.
Cover bowl and refrigerate at least two hours before serving.

Expert Tips!

Store this in the refrigerator in an airtight container until ready to serve.
This will last 3-5 days in the refrigerator when stored properly.
If your salad becomes a little bit dry after sitting for a few days just add a bit more salad dressing to it. You can also toss the noodles in oil after cooking them to reduce how much dressing they will soak up.
Do no allow this salad to sit out more than two hours when serving it.
If you are letting it sit out at a party we recommend making an ice bath for it by sitting the bowl of salad in another bowl that has ice and water in it to keep it cool.

A landscape photo featuring prepared crab pasta salad in a clay bowl with a blue napkin folded up in background.

Finish the Meal!

There’s nothing like flavorful, juicy steak especially when you make these Balsamic Steak Skewers for dinner!
Summertime is meant for Baked Beans especially when they have bacon!
Got a sweet tooth? Finish the meal with homemade Cookie Dough Ice Cream!

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Meet Julie Evink

I'm here to help you win in the kitchen again! Life is Busy, Life is Crazy, but that doesn't mean you can't make your family dinner! Julie's goal is to provide you with easy, family, friendly recipes that use pantry staples. Dinnertime will be stress free again!