Zesty Lemon Crab Pasta Salad

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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If you're looking for a refreshing dish that sings with citrusy brightness and the ocean's finest catch, this Zesty Lemon Crab Pasta Salad is just the ticket. Perfect for warm weather or any time you crave something light yet satisfying, this salad combines fresh ingredients with a creamy, tangy dressing.

Ingredients for Zesty Lemon Crab Pasta Salad

Penne pasta is the sturdy base that holds all the flavors together. Its ridges are perfect for capturing the creamy dressing. Fresh lump crab meat brings a sweet, succulent taste of the sea that pairs beautifully with lemon. Crunchy elements like diced celery and red bell pepper add texture and a pop of color, while green onions offer a mild bite. Fresh parsley brightens the whole dish with its herbaceous note.

The dressing combines mayonnaise and sour cream for creaminess, with fresh lemon juice and lemon zest adding a zesty punch. A touch of Dijon mustard brings depth, and a sprinkle of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder rounds everything out.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor — it makes a world of difference.
  • If you’re short on time, you can prepare the salad a day in advance; just give it a good stir before serving.
  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pasta salad as a standalone meal with a crisp white wine or as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or shrimp. It's also lovely paired with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up any leftover dressing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned crab meat?
Yes, but fresh crab meat is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
How long will leftovers keep?
The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
Is there a substitute for mayonnaise?
You can use Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative, though it will slightly alter the taste.

Zesty Lemon Crab Pasta Salad Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, cook your penne pasta following the package instructions. Once it's al dente, drain it and give it a quick rinse under cold water — this stops the cooking process and cools it down for the salad.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until smooth. This is your creamy, zesty dressing that ties everything together.

Now it's time to add the stars of the show: gently fold in the crab meat, celery, red bell pepper, green onions, and parsley. Be gentle so you don’t break up the crab too much.

Add the cooled pasta to the bowl. Toss everything together until the pasta and veggies are well-coated with the dressing. Make sure every bite is packed with flavor.

Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step is key to letting the flavors meld and develop.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend lunches.
  • Features fresh, vibrant ingredients that are both healthy and flavorful.
  • The perfect balance of creamy and zesty, with just the right amount of crunch and freshness.
  • Impresses guests with minimal effort — it looks as good as it tastes!

Ingredients

8 oz of cooked penne pasta
1 lb of fresh lump crab meat
1/2 cup of diced celery
1/2 cup of diced red bell pepper
1/3 cup of thinly sliced green onions
1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup of mayonnaise
1/4 cup of sour cream
2 tbsp of fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp of lemon zest
1 tsp of Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp of salt
1/4 tsp of black pepper
1/4 tsp of garlic powder

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions, then drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well to create the dressing.
3. Gently fold in the crab meat, celery, red bell pepper, green onions, and parsley into the dressing.
4. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.

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