Crab Pasta Salad

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

WATCH THE STEP BY STEP VIDEO FOR THIS RECIPE BELOW:

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4.59 from 24 votes

Crab Pasta Salad

Pasta Salad Loaded with Crab Meat, Peas, Broccoli, Green Pepper and Onion tossed in a creamy dressing!

Prep:15 mins

Cook:15 mins

Total:30 mins

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10

servings

Ingredients

• ▢ 8 oz spaghetti
• ▢ 16 oz imitation crabmeat chopped
• ▢ 1 c. frozen peas thawed
• ▢ 1 c. broccoli florets
• ▢ 1/2 c. chopped green pepper
• ▢ 1/4 c. sliced green onion
• ▢ 3/4 c. fat-free mayonnaise
• ▢ 1/3 c. reduced fat Italian salad dressing
• ▢ 3 T grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

• Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. In a large bowl combine pasta, crab, peas, broccoli, pepper and onion.
• In a small bowl mix together mayonnaise, salad dressing and cheese. Pour over pasta mixture and toss to coat.
• Cover and refrigerate 2 hours.

Tips

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.

Video

Nutrition Information

Calories: 200kcal (10%), Carbohydrates: 34g (11%), Protein: 8g (16%), Fat: 3g (5%), Cholesterol: 7mg (2%), Sodium: 507mg (22%), Potassium: 235mg (7%), Fiber: 3g (13%), Sugar: 6g (7%), Vitamin A: 445IU (9%), Vitamin C: 41.2mg (50%), Calcium: 46mg (5%), Iron: 1mg (6%)

© Julie's Eats & Treats ®

We are not dietitians and recommend you seek a nutritionist for exact nutritional information. The information in the nutrition box is calculated through a program and there is room for error. If you need an accurate count, I recommend running the ingredients through your favorite nutrition calculator.