Imitation Crab Pasta Salad

This imitation crab pasta salad is a perfect make-ahead recipe. If you are looking for a light lunch option or easy side dish, this can be made in under 20 minutes. The imitation crab meat is combined with peas, onions, and cheese for a filling summer pasta salad. Adding the creamy salad dressing brings the tastes and textures together just perfectly.

Prep Time10

Cook Time10

Total Time20

Course: lunch, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cold pasta salad, deli recipe, easy salad, easy side dish, pasta recipe

Servings: Servings

Calories: 384kcal

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Kitchen Essentials

Ingredients

16 ounces Imitation Crab Diced, I like a bit larger dice on this
2 Cups Dried Pasta cook according to package directions, drain, and rinse
1/2 medium Onion Diced
13 ounces Sweet Peas I use frozen for this as I think they taste fresher
4 ounces Mild Cheddar cheese Shredded
4 ounces Mild Brick cheese Diced
1 1/2 Cups Mayonnaise
2 TBL. Granulated Sugar
1 Tsp. Lemon Juice
1/2 Cup Milk
1/2 Tsp. Salt
1/2 Tsp. Pepper

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente. Since the pasta will be used in a cold salad, I drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water until the pasta is cold. This will remove all the starch.
2 Cups Dried Pasta
In a large mixing bowl add the crab, pasta, sweet peas, diced onion, and diced cheese.
16 ounces Imitation Crab, 1/2 medium Onion, 13 ounces Sweet Peas, 4 ounces Mild Cheddar cheese, 4 ounces Mild Brick cheese
Make the salad dressing. Combine the mayonnaise, sugar, lemon juice, milk, salt, and pepper.
1 1/2 Cups Mayonnaise, 2 TBL. Granulated Sugar, 1 Tsp. Lemon Juice, 1/2 Cup Milk, 1/2 Tsp. Salt, 1/2 Tsp. Pepper
Pour the salad dressing over the crab mixture and gently stir the ingredients together. Serve it immediately or refrigerate and serve the next day.

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Notes

There is a Short Video for This Recipe

Pasta Options for this Side Dish

In this cold pasta salad bite-sized shapes work well. Here are a few ideas, penne, macaroni, farfalle, rotini, shell, ditalini, and gemelli. The small size makes them easy to eat and pairs well with the other salad ingredients.

This recipe can be made gluten free by using a pasta that is made from rice, corn, or lentils. There are a few types available now so give a few a try.

How Long Can you leave Crab Salad Out?

If you plan on bringing this crab salad to a potluck or picnic, for food safety, do not leave this out more than 2 hours. If it sits out longer than 2 hours, it should be discarded and not eaten.

When bringing this to a summertime party, I like to put the container inside another container that is filled with ice. This helps keep it safe for your guests to enjoy.
Once made, this salad can be safety refrigerated up to 4 days.

Nutrition