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To make this seafood pasta salad, gather these fresh ingredients: - 8 oz fusilli pasta or any pasta of choice - 1 cup cooked shrimp, deveined and tails removed - 1 cup lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup diced cucumber - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup black olives, sliced - 3 tablespoons capers, rinsed - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 3 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste You can make this salad even better with these optional add-ins: - 1 avocado, diced - 1/2 cup corn, fresh or frozen - 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced - A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat - Feta cheese, crumbled These add-ins can enhance flavor and texture. Choose what you like best! For this dish, you can use various kinds of seafood. Here are some popular options: - Scallops, cooked and sliced - Lobster, cooked and chopped - Cooked mussels or clams - Smoked salmon, shredded Feel free to mix and match your seafood. This adds your unique touch to the dish. Enjoy creating your own version of this seafood pasta salad! For the full recipe, check out the details above. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add 8 oz of fusilli pasta. Cook it until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and keeps the pasta firm. Now, set the pasta aside while you prepare the other ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta. Then, mix in 1 cup of cooked shrimp and 1 cup of lump crab meat. Next, toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup of diced cucumber, and 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion. Add 1/4 cup of sliced black olives and 3 tablespoons of rinsed capers. Finally, sprinkle in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley. Stir everything gently until well combined. In a small bowl, whisk together the juice and zest of 1 lemon with 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix until everything is combined. This dressing brings all flavors together. - Mixing and Chilling Pour the dressing over the seafood pasta salad. Gently toss everything again until the pasta and seafood are fully coated. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. Cover the bowl and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This lets the flavors blend. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. For an extra touch, garnish with more parsley. Enjoy this fresh and flavorful dish, inspired by my love for seafood and pasta. For the full recipe, check the details above! To get the best pasta, follow a few simple steps. Start with a large pot of water and add salt. The water should taste like the sea. Boil the water before adding the pasta. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, which means it should have a slight bite. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy when mixed. After cooking, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water. This stops the cooking process and helps keep it firm. To boost the flavor of your seafood pasta salad, use fresh herbs and spices. Fresh parsley adds a bright taste. You can also try adding basil or dill for more depth. A squeeze of lemon juice gives a nice tang. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes. If you want a creamier texture, you can mix in some Greek yogurt or sour cream. These small changes can make a big difference. Serve your seafood pasta salad cold or at room temperature. It’s great for picnics or parties. For a fancy touch, serve it on a bed of leafy greens. You can also add slices of lemon or lime on the side for garnish. Pair it with crusty bread or a light white wine for a complete meal. Don't forget to chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps all the flavors blend together beautifully. For the full recipe, check out Ocean Breeze Seafood Pasta Salad. {{image_2}} You can switch up the seafood in your pasta salad. Try adding scallops or mussels for a new twist. You can also use cooked lobster or even canned tuna. These choices add unique flavors and textures. Each seafood option pairs well with the salad's fresh ingredients. If you prefer a vegetarian dish, skip the seafood. Add more veggies instead. Bell peppers, artichokes, or avocados make great substitutes. You can also include chickpeas for protein. This way, you keep the salad filling and tasty. You can play with the dressing to change the flavor. Instead of lemon, try lime or orange juice. A dash of balsamic vinegar can add a sweet kick. For a creamier option, mix in some Greek yogurt. Each dressing choice brings a new taste to your salad. For the full recipe, check out the Ocean Breeze Seafood Pasta Salad. To keep your seafood pasta salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent air from spoiling your dish. Place the salad in the fridge right after serving. It stays tasty for about three days. If you're using fresh seafood, try to eat it sooner. I don't recommend freezing seafood pasta salad. The texture changes when thawed. The pasta may become mushy, and seafood can lose its taste. If you must freeze it, do so without the dressing. Store the salad and dressing in separate containers. This way, you can enjoy the salad fresh after thawing. If you have leftovers, enjoy them cold or at room temperature. If you prefer to heat it, do so gently. Place the salad in a pan on low heat. Stir often until heated through. Avoid overheating, as it can ruin the seafood and pasta's texture. For best flavor, add fresh herbs or a splash of lemon juice right before serving. To keep pasta from getting mushy, cook it until it is al dente. This means it should still have a slight bite. After cooking, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water. This stops the cooking process and helps maintain its texture. You can also toss the pasta with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. In fact, it tastes even better after chilling for a few hours. Just mix all the ingredients and dress the salad. Cover it well and place it in the fridge. You can add many vegetables! Consider adding bell peppers, radishes, or zucchini. These add color and crunch. You can also try adding corn or asparagus for a fresh twist. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste. - Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! This seafood pasta salad works great for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge for up to three days. Just keep the dressing separate if you want to maintain the best texture. When ready to eat, combine everything and enjoy! For the full recipe, check out the Ocean Breeze Seafood Pasta Salad. This blog post covered every step for making a great pasta salad, from choosing ingredients to storage tips. We looked at seafood options and some tasty add-ins. I shared how to cook perfect pasta and make a flavorful dressing. Remember, you can mix and match ingredients for fun variations. Store your salad well, and it will stay fresh. With these tips, you can enjoy a delicious pasta salad any time. Happy cooking!

Seafood Pasta Salad

Dive into summer with our refreshing Ocean Breeze Seafood Pasta Salad! This delicious recipe combines fusilli pasta, shrimp, crab meat, and vibrant veggies, all tossed in a zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for gatherings or a light meal, it's a quick and easy dish that brings the taste of the ocean right to your kitchen. Click through now to explore the full recipe and make your next meal truly special!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz fusilli pasta or any pasta of choice

1 cup cooked shrimp, deveined and tails removed

1 cup lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup diced cucumber

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup black olives, sliced

3 tablespoons capers, rinsed

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 lemon, zested and juiced

3 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Begin by cooking the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Aim for al dente texture. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shrimp, crab meat, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, capers, and parsley.

      In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined. This will serve as your dressing.

        Pour the dressing over the seafood pasta salad and gently toss all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.

          Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as desired.

            Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

              Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with extra parsley if desired.

                Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4-6