The Ultimate Creamy Chilled Seafood Pasta Salad |
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Prep Time: 20 Minutes Cook Time: 10 Minutes |
Ready In: 30 Minutes Servings: 10 |
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Especially well suited for summertime entertaining- I like to prepare this creamy chilled seafood pasta salad in the morning, refrigerate, and serve to guests in the evening outside on the patio accompanied with a crusty baguette, butter, and a good bottle of white wine! Be sure to serve this salad well-chilled. Ingredients:
12 -16 ounces shell pasta, cooked (measured dry) |
1 cup mayonnaise |
1 1/2 lbs imitation crabmeat, chunks (or use real crab or shrimp) |
1 -2 teaspoon lemon zest, minced small |
fresh lemon juice (1 to 2 squeezes) |
1/2 cup onion, chopped |
2 celery ribs, with leaves thinly sliced |
1 cup broccoli floret, broken up (cooked al dente) |
6 small dill pickles, slivered |
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish |
1 tablespoon capers, finely minced |
2 -3 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped |
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped |
1/4 cup spanish olives, chopped |
2 -4 dashes garlic powder |
2 -3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped |
1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese cubes |
1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved |
salt & pepper, to taste |
lettuce leaf, for garnish |
Directions:
1. Mix ingredients in order given; season to taste with salt & pepper. 2. Garnish with chopped chives and lemon wedges. Cover and keep refrigerated until serving time. 3. Best chilled for 6 to 8 hours to allow flavors to marry. 4. Serve well chilled, atop a bed of crisp salad greens. 5. A lovely light summertime main-dish, or starter. Serve this salad well-chilled with a crusty baguette, butter, and a good bottle of white wine (such as Chablis). |
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