Creamy Pasta Crab Salad (Quick & Easy Recipe)

Creamy Pasta Crab Salad (Quick & Easy Recipe)

Craving something light, creamy, and satisfying but not sure what to make? Pasta Crab Salad is a simple and flavorful option that comes together quickly with just a few everyday ingredients. It combines tender pasta, sweet imitation crab, crisp celery, fresh herbs, and a touch of feta in a creamy dressing that’s both refreshing and filling. It’s simple to make, perfect for lunch or a quick dinner, and easy to double when needed. Whether served in a bowl, a lettuce cup, or tucked into a soft roll, it’s a refreshing change of pace.

Jump to Recipe

The salad is a combo of imitation crab with pasta shells and seasonings in a light dressing with a little Feta cheese tossed in for good measure. It is easily adapted by substituting the pasta shape, cheese and seasonings. Imitation crab is an affordable and convenient ingredient in this recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This small-batch salad is perfect when you’re in the mood for something cool and easy. It’s:

• Quick to make

• Made with simple, affordable ingredients

• Full of flavor and satisfying texture

• Great as a lunch, dinner, or light meal

• Easy to double for family servings or guests

What Is Imitation Crab?

Imitation crab is often found in seafood salads, California rolls, and crab cakes. It’s not real crab meat, but it’s also not artificial in the way some might think.

What Is Surimi?

The main ingredient in imitation crab is surimi, a Japanese word meaning “ground meat.” It’s made by finely mincing white fish, typically wild Alaskan pollock, and combining it with starch, salt, flavorings, egg whites, and sometimes a small amount of real crab. The mixture is shaped and cured to look like snow crab or Japanese spider crab leg meat.

Surimi has been used for centuries in Asian cuisine and has gained popularity around the world, including in France, Spain, and the U.S.

Price and Nutrition

The appeal of imitation crab is clear. It’s affordable, convenient, and easy to use. It generally costs about one-third the price of real crab meat.

Nutritionally, imitation crab is:

• Low in fat and calories

• Lower in protein than real crab

• Contains added sugar and sodium

• Not vegan or gluten-free (it includes egg white and starch)

While it’s more processed than fresh seafood, imitation crab is a helpful ingredient for quick recipes like this when used in moderation.

It’s a convenient pantry-friendly option that brings the flavor and texture of seafood to dishes that don’t require a big splurge.

Substitutions and Additions

This is a flexible recipe. Try these swaps or additions based on your preference or what you have on hand:

• Use dill instead of basil for a more traditional seafood herb

• Swap feta for goat cheese or mild mozzarella

• Add chopped red pepper, cucumber, or thawed peas for extra color and crunch

• Mix in a chopped hard-boiled egg for more protein

• Lighten the dressing with half mayonnaise and half plain Greek yogurt

• Add a touch of Dijon mustard for depth

Serving Suggestions

There are several ways to enjoy this salad:

• Spoon it into lettuce cups

• Serve with buttery crackers or toast rounds

• Make it into a soft sandwich roll or croissant

• Pair with a bowl of fruit or soup for a well-rounded meal

Storage Tips

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator

• Best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days

• If it seems dry after chilling, add a small spoonful of mayo and stir gently before serving

How to Make Pasta Crab Salad

Cook the Pasta

Cook the pasta according to package instructions.

Drain and rinse under cool water, then let it fully cool before mixing.

Prepare the Ingredients

Finely chop the celery and green onion. 

Stack and slice the fresh basil into thin strips. Cut the imitation crab into bite-size pieces, if needed. 

Mix the Salad

In a medium bowl, combine the pasta, crab, vegetables, cheese, herbs, and seasonings. Add the mayonnaise.

Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

Chill or Serve

You can serve the salad right away or chill it for 30 to 60 minutes to allow the flavors to develop. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This recipe doubles easily. Simply multiply all ingredients for a larger portion.

Serving pasta crab salad

• Spoon the salad into lettuce cups.
• Serve your salad with a side of buttery or peppery crackers.
• Make a sandwich using bread or soft rolls.

Lighten It Up

For a lighter version, try replacing half or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt to reduce calories while keeping a creamy texture.

Calories and Nutrition

This recipe makes two generous servings. Each serving contains approximately:

• 462 calories using full-fat mayonnaise

• 312 calories using plain nonfat Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise

Swapping some or all of the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt is an easy way to reduce calories while still keeping a creamy texture. Light mayonnaise or a half-and-half blend can also be used to strike a balance between richness and nutrition.

Pasta Crab Salad

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Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 8 ounces imitation crab meat chunks flaked style, or sticks cut into pieces
• 2 ounces dry small pasta shells cooked per package directions
• 1/4 cup celery finely chopped
• 1-2 tablespoons green onion sliced
• 1/8 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• Squeeze of lemon juice
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh basil thinly sliced, plus more for garnish. You can substitute fresh dill.
• 1/3 cup Feta cheese
• Pinch of Crushed pepper flakes
• 1/8 tsp celery seeds

Instructions

 

• Add all of the ingredients to a large bowl. Stir gently to combine.
• Serve immediately, or cover and chill for up to 2 days.

This Recipe Works if You’re Working Toward Lighter Meals

If you’re focusing on more balanced eating without the pressure of strict dieting, this Pasta Crab Salad is a great fit. It’s portioned, satisfying, and easy to prepare. For more simple ideas that help you feel your best, visit the 1,400 Calorie 2-Week Meal Plan. It offers flexible daily meal suggestions to support gentle, realistic progress.

Crab Pasta Salad Serving suggestion…

Honey Whole Wheat Bread

And for dessert…

Orange Jell-O Parfait

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Crab Quiche