Pasta Salads

Seafood Pasta Salad

Name: Seafood Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz (225g) pasta; 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/2 cup (115g) cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup (55g) cucumber, sliced; 1/4 cup (30g) red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped; 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil; 2 tbsp (30ml) lemon juice; 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste

By Liana Underhill · June 19, 2026 · Pasta Salads

Prep20 min

Cook15 min

Total45 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I had a seafood pasta salad at my grandmother's house. It was a warm summer evening, and we were all gathered around the table, eager to taste her latest creation. The combination of tender seafood, al dente pasta, and a zesty Italian dressing was a revelation to my young taste buds. From that day on, I was hooked on this dish, and I've been perfecting my own recipe over the years.

As a home cook, I believe that the key to a great seafood pasta salad is using the freshest ingredients possible. That means selecting the best seafood, pasta, and produce you can find. It also means taking the time to prepare each component with care, from cooking the pasta just right to marinating the seafood in a flavorful mixture.

In this recipe, I'll guide you through the process of making a delicious seafood pasta salad that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With its combination of tender shrimp, scallops, and mussels, along with a medley of colorful vegetables and a tangy Italian dressing, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

One of the things I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can customize it to your taste by using different types of seafood, adding your favorite vegetables, or adjusting the amount of dressing to your liking. It's also a great make-ahead dish, as it can be prepared up to a day in advance and refrigerated until serving.

So, if you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make seafood pasta salad recipe, you're in the right place. Let's get started and create a dish that's sure to impress your family and friends!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal cooking skills.
It's a great way to enjoy a variety of seafood in one dish.
The pasta salad can be customized to your taste by using different types of seafood and vegetables.
It's a perfect make-ahead dish for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
The recipe is budget-friendly and can be made with affordable ingredients.
It's a healthy and nutritious option, as it's low in calories and high in protein and fiber.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great seafood pasta salad is balancing the flavors and textures. By using a combination of tender seafood, al dente pasta, and a tangy Italian dressing, we create a dish that's both refreshing and satisfying. The acidity in the dressing helps to cut through the richness of the seafood, while the pasta provides a comforting base for the dish.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the cooking technique. By cooking the pasta just until it's al dente, we ensure that it retains its texture and doesn't become mushy. We also take care to not overcook the seafood, as this can make it tough and rubbery. Instead, we cook it until it's just opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Finally, the dressing is what brings the whole dish together. By using a combination of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs, we create a flavorful and aromatic dressing that complements the seafood and pasta perfectly. The acidity in the lemon juice helps to brighten the flavors, while the herbs add a fresh and herbaceous note to the dish.

Overall, this seafood pasta salad recipe works because it balances flavors and textures, uses proper cooking techniques, and features a delicious and aromatic dressing. With these elements in place, we can create a dish that's both delicious and satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this seafood pasta salad, we'll need a variety of ingredients, including pasta, seafood, vegetables, and a tangy Italian dressing. The key is to use the freshest ingredients possible, so be sure to select the best seafood and produce you can find. We'll also need some pantry staples, such as olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs, to bring the dish together.

In the following list, you'll find the ingredients we'll need to make this recipe. Be sure to read through the list carefully and gather all the ingredients before starting to cook.

8 oz (225g) pastaUse a high-quality pasta that's made from durum wheat semolina. This will help the pasta hold its shape and texture.
1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveinedSelect fresh or frozen shrimp that have been sustainably sourced. You can also use other types of seafood, such as scallops or mussels, if you prefer.
1/2 cup (115g) cherry tomatoes, halvedUse fresh cherry tomatoes that are ripe and flavorful. You can also use other types of tomatoes, such as grape or vine-ripened, if you prefer.
1/2 cup (55g) cucumber, slicedSelect a fresh cucumber that's firm and flavorful. You can also use other types of cucumbers, such as English or hothouse, if you prefer.
1/4 cup (30g) red onion, thinly slicedUse a sweet onion, such as Vidalia or Maui, for the best flavor.
1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, choppedSelect fresh parsley that's curly-leafed and flavorful. You can also use other types of herbs, such as basil or dill, if you prefer.
2 tbsp (30ml) olive oilUse a high-quality olive oil that's extra-virgin and flavorful. This will help bring the dish together and add a rich, fruity flavor.
2 tbsp (30ml) lemon juiceSelect fresh lemons that are ripe and flavorful. You can also use bottled lemon juice, but be sure to choose a high-quality brand that's 100% juice.
1 tsp (5g) dried oreganoUse a high-quality dried oregano that's flavorful and aromatic. This will help add a savory, slightly bitter flavor to the dish.
Salt and pepper to tasteUse a high-quality salt, such as kosher or sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper to season the dish.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large pot for cooking pastaColander for draining pastaLarge bowl for mixing saladMeasuring cups and spoonsChef's knife for chopping vegetablesCutting board for chopping vegetablesInstant-read thermometer

How to Make Seafood Pasta Salad

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti.
2
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3
Add the cooked pasta to the bowl and toss to combine with the dressing. If the pasta seems dry, add some of the reserved pasta water.
4
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook until they're pink and just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to cool.
5
Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion to the bowl with the pasta. Toss to combine.
6
Add the cooked shrimp to the bowl and toss to combine with the pasta and vegetables.
7
Stir in the chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
9
Just before serving, give the salad a good toss and adjust the seasoning if needed.
10
To cook the seafood to a safe internal temperature, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the shrimp. The internal temperature should reach 145 F (63 C) in the thickest part of the shrimp.
11
Serve the salad chilled, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Expert Tips

Use a variety of seafood, such as shrimp, scallops, and mussels, for a more interesting texture and flavor.
Add some diced bell peppers or zucchini to the salad for extra color and nutrients.
Use a high-quality pasta that's made from durum wheat semolina for the best texture and flavor.
Don't overcook the seafood, as this can make it tough and rubbery.
Let the salad sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Add some grated Parmesan cheese to the salad for an extra burst of flavor.
Use a flavorful olive oil, such as extra-virgin olive oil, to bring the dish together.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the seafood, which can make it tough and rubbery.
Not using enough salt in the pasta water, which can result in a bland dish.
Not reserving enough pasta water, which can make the salad too dry.
Not letting the salad sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving, which can result in a flavorless dish.
Not using fresh and high-quality ingredients, which can result in a dish that's lacking in flavor and texture.
Not adjusting the seasoning to taste, which can result in a dish that's too salty or too bland.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced chicken or steak to the salad for extra protein.
Use a different type of pasta, such as linguine or fettuccine, for a change of pace.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as basil or dill, to the salad for extra flavor.
Use a different type of seafood, such as salmon or tilapia, for a change of pace.
Add some grated cheese, such as Parmesan or feta, to the salad for extra flavor.
Use a different type of dressing, such as a vinaigrette or a creamy dressing, to change up the flavor.

What to Serve With Seafood Pasta Salad

This seafood pasta salad is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's also a great dish to bring to a potluck or picnic. Serve it chilled, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

You can also serve the salad with some crusty bread or crackers on the side for a more filling meal. Some other options for sides include a green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.

Serve the salad with some crusty bread or crackers on the side for a more filling meal.Add some grated cheese, such as Parmesan or feta, to the salad for extra flavor.Use a different type of dressing, such as a vinaigrette or a creamy dressing, to change up the flavor.Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as basil or dill, to the salad for extra flavor.

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This seafood pasta salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.

You can also freeze the salad for up to 2 months. Simply place the salad in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze until solid. When you're ready to serve, simply thaw the salad overnight in the refrigerator and serve chilled.

To reheat the salad, simply place it in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in a skillet on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

It's also important to note that the salad will be more flavorful if it's allowed to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the salad to come to room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of seafood should I use in this recipe?

You can use a variety of seafood, such as shrimp, scallops, and mussels. Just be sure to cook the seafood until it's opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

How long can I store the salad in the refrigerator?

You can store the salad in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Can I freeze the salad?

Yes, you can freeze the salad for up to 2 months. Simply place the salad in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze until solid. When you're ready to serve, simply thaw the salad overnight in the refrigerator and serve chilled.

How do I reheat the salad?

You can reheat the salad in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in a skillet on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

What type of pasta should I use in this recipe?

You can use a variety of pasta, such as spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine. Just be sure to cook the pasta until it's al dente and reserve some of the pasta water to add to the salad.

Can I add other ingredients to the salad?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the salad, such as diced bell peppers or zucchini, to add extra color and nutrients. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to taste.

How do I know if the seafood is cooked?

You can check if the seafood is cooked by using an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. The internal temperature should reach 145 F (63 C) in the thickest part of the seafood.

Can I make the salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.

The Full Recipe

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