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Creamy Seafood Pasta Salad Two Ways: Pasta or Cauliflower Recipe

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4.1 from 265 reviews

This creamy seafood pasta salad offers two delicious variations—one with traditional pasta shells and the other a low-carb alternative using cauliflower. Packed with succulent shrimp, imitation crabmeat, and fresh vegetables, it’s tossed in a tangy and creamy combination of sour cream, mayonnaise, and Catalina French dressing, making it perfect for a refreshing lunch or light dinner.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Base

  • 8 ounces dry pasta shells (uncooked medium) OR 8 oz cauliflower florets (uncooked, 1″ sized pieces)

Vegetables

  • 2 stalks celery (sliced)
  • ½ cup ripe tomatoes (½” cubes)
  • ½ cup carrot (peeled and shredded)
  • ½ cup green onion (sliced)

Seafood

  • 4 ounces imitation crabmeat
  • 4 ounces shrimp (cooked, shelled, and deveined)

Dressing

  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ⅓ cup Catalina French dressing
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt or sea salt (plus extra to taste)
  • ⅛ teaspoon pepper (plus extra to taste)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Base: For the pasta version, cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool. For the cauliflower version, place the cauliflower florets in a microwave-safe dish with ¼ cup water, cover, and steam in the microwave for 3 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain any excess water.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta or cauliflower along with sliced celery, diced tomatoes, shredded carrot, sliced green onions, imitation crabmeat, cooked shrimp, sour cream, mayonnaise, Catalina French dressing, salt, and pepper.
  3. Mix and Chill: Stir all ingredients together thoroughly until evenly combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
  4. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Before serving, taste the salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired. Serve chilled as a refreshing side or light meal.

Notes

  • For cauliflower, avoid overcooking to prevent it from becoming too soft and falling apart in the salad.
  • Substitute lump crab meat for imitation crab for a more authentic seafood flavor.
  • Use light or fat-free mayonnaise and sour cream to reduce calories.
  • For a keto-friendly version, use cauliflower and a sugar-free French or Catalina dressing.
  • Thousand Island dressing can be used instead of Catalina, but add a little ketchup to balance sweetness.
  • Serve on a bed of lettuce with a wedge of sweet melon for a refreshing summer meal.
  • Pairs well with grilled steak, seafood, or chicken.
  • Nutrition values provided are based on using cauliflower and sugar-free Catalina French dressing.
  • Author: Adeline
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Carb

Find it online: https://flavorhug.com/creamy-seafood-pasta-salad-two-ways-pasta-or-cauliflower-recipe/