When the weather heats up, nothing is more refreshing than a cool, flavorful dish straight from the fridge. This Chilled Seafood and Pasta Salad with Fresh Herbs is the perfect balance of light and satisfying, making it a staple for summer picnics, barbecues, and potlucks. Bursting with fresh seafood, al dente pasta, and aromatic herbs, this dish delivers a delightful medley of textures and flavors that will impress any crowd.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday meal or an elegant dish for entertaining, this salad is versatile and easy to prepare. It features a mix of shrimp, crab, and scallops, combined with a tangy citrus dressing and a medley of fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and basil. Serve it chilled for the ultimate refreshing experience.
Ingredients for Chilled Seafood and Pasta Salad
For the Salad:
- 8 oz pasta (fusilli, penne, or bowtie)
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb scallops
- 1/2 cup lump crab meat
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 tbsp capers
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Seafood
In a large pan over medium heat, add a small amount of olive oil. Cook the shrimp and scallops for about 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and cooked through. Let them cool, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Gently fold in the crab meat.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, seafood, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, black olives, bell pepper, and capers. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
Step 5: Add Fresh Herbs and Chill
Fold in the fresh parsley, dill, and basil. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Give the salad a final toss before serving. Garnish with additional fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Best Pasta Choices: Short, sturdy pasta like fusilli or bowtie works best as it holds the dressing and ingredients well.
- Seafood Variations: Feel free to swap or add seafood like lobster or calamari.
- Make Ahead: This salad tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Dressing Tip: For extra depth of flavor, let the dressing sit for 10-15 minutes before mixing it into the salad.
FAQs
Can I make this salad dairy-free or gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free pasta, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. The dressing and seafood are naturally dairy-free.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Can I use frozen seafood?
Absolutely. Just make sure to thaw and drain it properly before cooking.
Closing Thoughts
This Chilled Seafood and Pasta Salad with Fresh Herbs is a go-to dish for warm-weather dining. Its combination of fresh seafood, crisp vegetables, and zesty dressing makes it an irresistible choice for any occasion. If you try this recipe, let us know in the comments or tag us on social media! Enjoy your refreshing and delicious seafood salad!