Refreshing and Easy Seafood Pasta Salad for Summer

Whether it’s a light appetizer before a dinner on the patio or something quick for the kids after a long day of swimming, a seafood pasta salad is a summer staple.

As the temperatures rise and the days grow longer, there's nothing quite like a refreshing, light dish to keep you cool and satisfied. Enter the seafood pasta salad—a culinary delight that's perfect for summer dining. Refreshing and delicious, most of the ingredients needed are probably already in your fridge and pantry!

This seafood pasta salad is not just a dish—it's a celebration of summer's bounty and a testament to the joy of simple, delicious meals.

Ingredients

For the pasta salad itself

• 8 ounces of pasta: Any short pasta works! Penne, Fusilli–the possibilities are endless. This always gives you the flexibility to switch it up every once in a while.

• 1 lb of cooked shrimp (peeled)

• 1 cup of cooked crab meat

• Vegetables: As with any salad, you can personalize your experience! Here’s a list of our favorites–slice and chop to your liking.

• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes

• ½ cup of cucumber

• ¼ cup of red onion

• ¼ cup of bell peppers

• ¼ cup of black olives

• ¼ cup of parsley

• ¼ cup of basil

For the dressing

• ¼ cup of olive oil

• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice

• 2 cloves of minced garlic

• 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard

• Salt and pepper

Of course, these measurements can be adjusted based on the number of people you want to make it for. And, depending on the flavor you are looking for, adjusting the dressing measurements can be a great idea!

Recipe

1. Cook the pasta, drain and allow to cool.

2. Combine the pasta, seafood, vegetables, parsley, and basil to a large bowl.

3. Mix together your dressing.

4. Pour dressing into the pasta salad bowl and toss gently, being sure not to excessively shake the pasta.

5. Adjust seasoning as needed!

6. Refrigerate for half an hour to allow the dressing to marinate in the salad.

7. Serve and enjoy!

How easy is that? This is a great dish that you can serve at any event. You can personalize this dish with various vegetables, flavors, and with different dishes. Even using a different dressing--like ranch--can create a new dish. Whether it’s with a sandwich, some pizza, or even another salad; the versatility of this dish makes it well-loved. Prepare to delight your tastebuds all summer long!