Best Creamy Seafood Pasta Salad

Creamy, flavorful, and irresistibly fresh, this is truly the Best Creamy Seafood Pasta Salad you’ll ever make! Packed with tender pasta, juicy shrimp, succulent crab, and a medley of crisp veggies, all tossed in a luscious, tangy dressing with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon for brightness. Perfect for summer cookouts, potlucks, or easy make-ahead lunches, this chilled pasta salad is a refreshing, protein-packed dish that comes together in minutes. Serve it as a light main, a side for grilled meats, or a crowd-pleasing party dish that disappears fast. Dairy-free, vegan, + gluten-free option.

I'm a big fan of salads, pasta, and anything tossed in a creamy sauce or dressing—so naturally, I had to bring them all together in this Creamy Seafood Pasta Salad. It’s the best of both worlds - hearty + fresh, with every bite coated in that dreamy, herby hint of spicy goodness. Honestly, it’s so dang good, you’ll be sneaking back to the fridge for just one more forkful before you know it.

I’m a little obsessed with this recipe and it can seriously be eaten alone or enjoyed as a side or with additional sides for a nice full meal. I’ve made everything from — Green Goddess Chicken Pasta Salad to a Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad and of course this Cajun Seafood Gumbo. And honestly? For good reason—it’s just so freakin’ good. This seafood salad is no exception, and the best part is you can easily make it gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan if needed! Perfect for the entire family----kids and adult-alike.

If you're a salad lover, you've got to give these a try next --- Ultimate Summer BBQ Chopped Kale Salad Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad, Spicy Chipotle Sweet Potato Chopped Salad, Chicken Caesar Salad with Cornbread Croutons, and Baked Jamaican Jerk Chicken Salad. And see my roundup of 20 Oh-So-Satisfying Salad Recipes that I absolutely adore making over and over again!

Why You Will LOVE This Creamy Seafood Pasta Salad

• Best of both worlds ---- Combines the flavors of traditional seafood salad with the heartiness of pasta!!
• Light yet filling ---- Great for lunch or dinner.
• The perfect balance of tangy, spicy + savory notes.
• Travel-friendly --- Ideal for bringing to BBQs, picnics, or potlucks.
• Totally customizable! Easily made to be gluten-free, dairy-free, + vegan.

Jump to:

• Why You Will LOVE This Creamy Seafood Pasta Salad
• What Is Seafood Salad?
• How To Make The Best Creamy Seafood Pasta Salad
• Ingredients
• Best Seafood for Creamy Seafood Pasta Salad
• Tips for Making the Best Creamy Seafood Pasta Salad
• Best Short-Cut Pastas for Seafood Pasta Salad
• Best Variations for Creamy Seafood Pasta Salad
• What to Serve with Seafood Pasta Salad
• Common Q + A's for Best Creamy Seafood Pasta Salad
• Delicious Seafood Recipes To Try Next
• MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
• Best Creamy Seafood Pasta Salad

What Is Seafood Salad?

Seafood salad is a chilled, protein-packed dish made by combining a variety of seafood—such as shrimp, crab, lobster, scallops, or fish—with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a flavorful dressing. While traditional seafood salad is often served without pasta, creamy seafood pasta salad blends the best of both worlds—tender pasta for heartiness and seafood for rich, briny flavor.

The dressing can vary from a light vinaigrette to a creamy mayonnaise-based mix, often enhanced with lemon juice, mustard, and seasonings like Old Bay or dill. Fresh ingredients such as celery, onions, and peppers add crunch and balance the richness of the seafood.

Seafood salad is popular for summer cookouts, holiday spreads, and make-ahead lunches because it’s refreshing, customizable, and can be prepared in advance. It’s also incredibly versatile—served on its own, over crisp greens, stuffed into croissants, or paired with crackers for an appetizer-style presentation.

How To Make The Best Creamy Seafood Pasta Salad

Making this Creamy Seafood Pasta Salad involves a few steps, but here's the good news: you can do many of them ahead of time! Marinate + sauté the shrimp, prep the veggies, and cook the pasta—all before putting it all together! This salad also travels really well, making it perfect for BBQs and cookouts!

Ingredients

• Pasta. A sturdy pasta like rotini, cavatappi, or elbow macaroni holds the creamy dressing beautifully and provides the perfect bite. You can swap with gluten-free pasta, whole wheat pasta, or even chickpea pasta for extra protein.
• Shrimp. Sweet, tender shrimp adds juicy bursts of flavor to every bite. You can use fresh or frozen (just thaw and pat dry), or substitute with lobster, scallops, or even imitation crab for a budget-friendly twist.
• Crab Meat. Delicate and slightly sweet, crab adds a luxurious seafood flavor. Fresh lump crab is ideal, but canned or imitation crab also works well. You can also replace with extra shrimp if preferred.
• Celery. Brings a refreshing crunch that balances the creaminess of the dressing. If you don’t have celery, try chopped cucumber, bell pepper, or water chestnuts for texture.
• Red Onion. Adds a sharp, slightly sweet bite. You can substitute with green onions, shallots, or even sweet onion for a milder taste.
• Fresh Herbs. Dill, parsley, or chives add a fresh, aromatic lift. Use fresh whenever possible, or swap with dried herbs (just use less since they’re more concentrated).
• Mayonnaise. The base of the dressing, giving the salad its creamy, rich texture. Swap with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter option, or use a dairy-free mayo for a vegan version.
• Lemon Juice. Brightens up the salad and enhances the seafood flavor. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, or you can use white wine vinegar for acidity.
• Old Bay Seasoning. A classic seafood spice blend that adds warmth and depth. If you don’t have Old Bay, mix paprika, celery salt, and black pepper for a quick substitute. You can also use cajun seasoning for a nice flavor profile!
• Dijon Mustard. Adds tang and a touch of spice to the dressing. Yellow mustard works in a pinch, or try whole grain mustard for extra texture.
• Optional Add-Ins. Chopped hard-boiled eggs, peas, shredded carrots, or sweet corn can add color, texture, and extra flavor.

SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR BAKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS SALAD!

Here, I’ve curated a list of baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods, especially with this Creamy Seafood Pasta Salad recipe. Everything from my fave sheet pans, wooden spoons, parchment paper, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

Best Seafood for Creamy Seafood Pasta Salad

The beauty of seafood pasta salad is its versatility—you can mix and match your favorite seafood for the perfect flavor combination. Here are some of the best choices:

• Shrimp. A classic choice that’s sweet, tender, and quick to cook. Use medium or large shrimp for hearty bites, and keep tails off for easy eating.
• Crab Meat. Adds delicate, slightly sweet flavor and a touch of luxury. Fresh lump crab is the gold standard, but canned or imitation crab are budget-friendly and still delicious.
• Lobster. Rich, buttery, and indulgent—perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress.
• Scallops. Sweet and delicate, scallops add a refined touch. Small bay scallops work well in pasta salads because they blend evenly into each bite.
• Imitation Crab (Surimi). An affordable, ready-to-eat option that’s slightly sweet and pairs well with creamy dressings.
• Tuna. Canned or fresh, tuna adds a meaty texture and briny flavor. Use albacore for a milder taste or skipjack for a richer profile.
• Salmon. Flaky and flavorful, cooked salmon (fresh, canned, or smoked) gives a richer, heartier taste to the salad.

NOTE: Use a mix of at least two seafood types—like shrimp and crab—for a more complex flavor and satisfying texture. If using pre-cooked seafood, make sure it’s chilled before mixing to keep the salad fresh and crisp.

Tips for Making the Best Creamy Seafood Pasta Salad

Cook Pasta Just to Al Dente. Overcooked pasta will become mushy once mixed with the dressing. Cook until just tender, then rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and keep it firm.

Chill Ingredients Before Mixing. Cold pasta, seafood, and veggies ensure your salad stays crisp and refreshing instead of warm and soggy.

Use Fresh Lemon for Brightness. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving enhances seafood flavor and keeps the salad tasting light.

Season Seafood Well. Whether boiling, steaming, or grilling, season seafood with salt, pepper, and a little Old Bay or paprika so it doesn’t taste bland in the salad.

Don’t Skimp on the Dressing. Pasta absorbs dressing as it sits, so add a little more than you think you’ll need—or save some to mix in just before serving for extra creaminess.

Cut Ingredients Uniformly. Chop seafood, pasta, and veggies into bite-sized pieces so every forkful has a balanced mix of flavors and textures.

Keep Seafood Tender. Avoid overcooking shrimp, scallops, or lobster—they should be opaque and just cooked through to stay juicy.

Add Fresh Herbs at the End. Fresh dill, parsley, or chives bring a pop of flavor and color, but add them last so they stay bright and vibrant.

Make Ahead for More Flavor. This salad tastes even better after chilling for a few hours as the flavors meld. Just give it a quick stir and add extra dressing if needed before serving.

Serve it Cold. Seafood pasta salad is best enjoyed cold or at least well-chilled. Keep it refrigerated until right before serving, especially for outdoor gatherings.

Best Short-Cut Pastas for Seafood Pasta Salad

Short-cut pasta shapes are ideal for seafood pasta salad because they hold the creamy dressing and small bites of seafood in every forkful. Here are some of the best options:

• Rotini. Spiral-shaped pasta with deep grooves that capture dressing and seafood perfectly.
• Cavatappi. Corkscrew-shaped and slightly thicker, giving a satisfying bite and holding up well in creamy salads.
• Elbow Macaroni. A classic choice for pasta salads; its small, curved tubes are easy to eat and pair well with seafood.
• Farfalle (Bow Tie Pasta). Flat and wide with pinched centers, great for holding chunks of seafood and veggies.
• Penne. Tube-shaped pasta that’s sturdy and blends well with chunkier seafood pieces like shrimp and crab.
• Shells (Medium or Small). Perfect for scooping up creamy dressing and small bits of seafood in every bite.
• Gemelli. Twisted pasta that’s slightly denser, offering a nice texture contrast in cold salads.

Whichever pasta you choose, cook it just to al dente so it holds its shape and texture when mixed with the dressing and chilled.

Best Variations for Creamy Seafood Pasta Salad

One of the best things about seafood pasta salad is how easy it is to customize. Try these delicious variations to keep things fresh and exciting:

• Lemon Herb Seafood Pasta Salad: Swap part of the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt, add extra lemon juice, and toss in fresh dill, parsley, and basil for a bright, zesty flavor.
• Mediterranean Seafood Pasta Salad: Use olive oil in place of some of the mayo, and mix in kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese for a briny, savory punch.
• Avocado Seafood Pasta Salad: Mash ripe avocado into the dressing for a creamy, nutrient-packed upgrade with a mild, buttery taste.
• Asian-Inspired Seafood Pasta Salad: Toss with a sesame-soy dressing, add shredded carrots, edamame, green onions, and sesame seeds for a fresh, umami-packed version.
• Tropical Seafood Pasta Salad: Add diced mango or pineapple, coconut flakes, and a touch of lime juice for a sweet-meets-savory summer vibe.
• Cheesy Seafood Pasta Salad: Stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a richer, more indulgent bite.

NOTE: Keep your flavor profile balanced—if you add something spicy or tangy, pair it with creamy elements to mellow the heat and round out the taste.

What to Serve with Seafood Pasta Salad

This Seafood Pasta Salad not only makes a delightful spring + summer dinner option with its fresh flavors, but it also shines as a beautiful side dish at potlucks and BBQs. Here are some of my favorite accompaniments to serve alongside it:

• Serve warm slices of garlic bread or Cheesy Kale Garlic Bread for a comforting side dish or make your
• Parmesan Herb Crusted Roasted Potatoes ---- Trust me they go with EVERYTHING. Haha. You can also enjoy tender Hot Honey Southern Cornbread or Corn on the Cob.
• For a complete feast, serve it with a meat main like steak, lamb or chicken!
• And definitely have some Southern Peach Iced Tea or Lemonade on hand to wash it all down!

Common Q + A's for Best Creamy Seafood Pasta Salad

Delicious Seafood Recipes To Try Next

My Best Creamy Seafood Pasta Salad is a smash hit, so if you like this one, you will love these recipes!

• Weeknight Shrimp Alfredo Bucatini Pasta
• Jamaican Spicy 'Pepper' Shrimp
• Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Shrimp + Grits
• Creamy Shrimp Pesto Tortellini Pasta
• Spicy Cajun Shrimp, Kale + Cauliflower Rice
• Bang Bang Shrimp Street Tacos
• Creamy Lobster Bisque
• Garlic Butter Salmon + Lobster in Creamy Lemon Parmesan Sauce
• Sheet Pan Garlic Herb Salmon, Lobster, + Veggies
• Honey Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli
• Creamy Tuscan Lobster Pasta
• Creamy Blackened Salmon Chowder

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried my Best Creamy Seafood Pasta Salad recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag me @shanikagrahamwhite on Instagram. I love hearing from you!

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