Description
Creamy Imitation Crab Pasta Salad is a delightful dish that brings together tender pasta and sweet imitation crab meat in a rich, tangy buttermilk-mayo dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or cozy family dinners, this refreshing salad is quick to prepare and easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and spices. Its creamy texture and bright flavors make it a sure hit at any table. With just under an hour of prep time, you can whip up this crowd-pleaser that not only satisfies but also impresses. Enjoy it as a standalone meal, pair it with crusty bread, or serve it over fresh greens for added crunch.
Ingredients
- 1 lb dry pasta (bowtie or rotini)
- 12–16 oz imitation crab, torn into small pieces
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions (10-12 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water; let cool.
- While the pasta cooks, tear the imitation crab into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, buttermilk, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add the cooled pasta and imitation crab to the dressing mixture; toss until well combined.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: For added flavor and crunch, consider mixing in diced bell peppers or celery. Allowing the salad to sit overnight enhances its taste as flavors meld together. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions before serving for visual appeal.