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For a tasty seafood pasta salad, you need a few key ingredients. Start with your seafood options. I love using: - 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup cooked crab meat (or imitation crab) - You can also use tuna for a different flavor. Next, choose your pasta. I recommend: - 8 ounces of tricolor rotini for color and fun. - Other options include penne or bowtie pasta. Now, let’s add fresh vegetables. They bring crunch and flavor. Use: - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 small cucumber, diced - 1/2 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup black olives, sliced For a bright and zesty dressing, you need: - 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste These ingredients make your salad burst with flavor. Want to make your salad even better? Here are some optional add-ins: - Additional seafood like scallops or lobster - Extra vegetables such as spinach or peas - Cheese options include feta or mozzarella These add-ins can enhance your dish and suit your taste. Check out the Full Recipe for more details! Start with a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Next, add the tricolor rotini pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions. Aim for an al dente texture. This means the pasta should be firm when you bite it. Once it's done, drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools it down fast. For the shrimp, rinse them under cold water. Remove the shells and tails. If they are not cooked, boil them for about 2-3 minutes until they turn pink. For the vegetables, wash them well. Cut the cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion into small pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes. You want all the pieces to be roughly the same size. This helps them mix well in the salad. In a big mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked shrimp, crab meat, halved tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, chopped onion, sliced olives, and parsley. Stir gently to mix everything. In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour this dressing over the salad and mix again. Make sure all the ingredients are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This lets the flavors blend better. Before you serve, toss it gently again. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. For the full recipe, check out Ocean Breeze Seafood Pasta Salad . To make a great seafood pasta salad, keep your pasta from sticking. After boiling, rinse the pasta under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools it down. Toss in a bit of olive oil to keep it loose. Marinating your pasta salad boosts flavor. Let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This time helps the flavors mix well. You can also add extra seasoning during this time for a more vibrant taste. Pair your seafood pasta salad with crusty bread or a light white wine. A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc complements the dish nicely. Serve the salad in a large, clear bowl. This shows off its colorful ingredients. For a fresh touch, garnish with lemon wedges or a sprig of parsley. This adds visual appeal and a hint of brightness. Want some heat? Add red pepper flakes to spice things up. Just a pinch can make a big difference. Mix it in gently to avoid overpowering the dish. If you prefer a hint of sweetness, sprinkle in a little sugar. This can balance the tangy flavors of lemon and olives. Start with a small amount, then taste and adjust as needed. {{image_4}} You can switch crab for tuna or salmon. Tuna brings a rich flavor, while salmon adds healthy fats. Both options work well in seafood pasta salad. If you want a vegetarian version, try plant-based seafood. Some brands offer great alternatives that mimic the taste and texture of real seafood. For a creamy twist, use yogurt or mayonnaise in your dressing. These options add richness and balance the flavors. If you prefer a lighter taste, consider citrus vinaigrettes. A mix of lemon juice and olive oil keeps it fresh and zesty. You can make this salad with gluten-free pasta if needed. Options like brown rice or chickpea pasta work great. For a low-carb version, try zucchini noodles. They add a nice crunch while keeping the dish light. For the full recipe, check out the Ocean Breeze Seafood Pasta Salad. To store leftovers properly, place them in an airtight container. This keeps your seafood pasta salad fresh. Make sure to cover it tightly to avoid any air exposure. For optimal freshness, eat the salad within three days. The flavors stay vibrant and delicious within this time frame. Can you freeze seafood pasta salad? It's best not to freeze it. Freezing can change the texture of seafood and pasta. If you must freeze it, do so without the dressing. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. This slow thawing helps maintain texture. When ready to serve, mix in fresh dressing. Is it safe to reheat seafood pasta? Seafood pasta salad is not meant to be reheated. If you have leftovers, enjoy them cold. If you prefer warmth, give it a quick toss in a pan over low heat. This keeps the seafood tender and the pasta intact. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. You can keep seafood pasta salad in the fridge for about three days. To check for spoilage, look for changes in smell or texture. If it smells off or feels slimy, it's best to toss it. Always store your pasta salad in an airtight container to keep it fresh longer. Yes, making seafood pasta salad ahead of time is a smart choice. It lets the flavors blend better. To prepare in advance, mix the pasta and seafood but add the dressing just before serving. This keeps everything fresh and prevents sogginess. The best seafood for pasta salad includes shrimp, crab, and tuna. Shrimp adds a sweet taste. Crab gives a rich flavor, while tuna is hearty and filling. You can mix and match these seafood options to find your favorite flavor profile. To make seafood pasta salad heartier, add more protein or veggies. Consider using scallops or lobster for seafood options. You can also toss in extra vegetables like spinach or peas. Adding cheese, such as feta or mozzarella, can enhance flavor and texture too. For the full recipe, check out Ocean Breeze Seafood Pasta Salad. In this post, we explored how to make a delicious seafood pasta salad. We covered essential ingredients like shrimp, tricolor rotini, and fresh veggies. The dressing, made with olive oil and lemon juice, brings it all together. Remember to use the right cooking techniques for perfect pasta and seafood. Also, feel free to mix in your favorite add-ins or swaps. This dish is easy to store and versatile for any occasion. Enjoy creating your seafood pasta salad masterpiece!

Seafood Pasta Salad

Add a taste of the ocean to your dinner table with this delicious Ocean Breeze Seafood Pasta Salad! Packed with colorful ingredients like shrimp, crab, and fresh veggies, this dish is perfect for summer gatherings or weeknight meals. Quick to prepare in just 45 minutes, it’s a refreshing and flavorful option everyone will love. Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your family and friends with this mouthwatering salad!
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Ingredients
  

8 ounces tricolor rotini pasta

1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup cooked crab meat (or imitation crab)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 small cucumber, diced

1/2 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup black olives, sliced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the tricolor rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.

    In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked shrimp, crab meat, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, sliced black olives, and chopped parsley.

      In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the mixture is fully emulsified.

        Drizzle the dressing over the seafood pasta salad mixture, and gently toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated and the flavors are well dispersed.

          Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This chill time allows the flavors to blend beautifully.

            Prior to serving, give the salad a gentle toss to redistribute the ingredients and taste; adjust the seasoning with extra salt or pepper if necessary.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large, clear glass bowl to showcase its vibrant colors. Garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley on top and arrange lemon wedges on the side to add a refreshing touch and enhance visual appeal.