Easy Pasta Crab Salad


If you're looking for a quick and easy seafood salad, I got you covered. Prepare this salad several hours ahead of time, so the flavors really have some time mingle together. Last week, I found myself in a pinch and needed a picnic salad to take to a cookout. My moms quick and easy crab pasta salad came to mind. 


I remembered growing up mom used to throw this salad together in a pinch and everyone always loved it. I always thought it was homemade until I saw her prepare it one day.  This easy pasta salad starts with a store bought crab salad from the Deli department. 

Most folks don't like the salad from the deli but for some reason the one I get at Brookshires is really good. My two favorite things from Brookshires is the Deli Crab salad and Haagen Dazs "Triple Brownie Overload" ice cream. 

There has been many of times that I've made a special trip to the store just two get those two items. I know it sounds  crazy, but it is so worth it. Any deli crab salad will do, so just use your favorite. 




Easy Pasta Crab Salad

6 - ounces shell, elbow macaroni or bow tie pasta (cooked to al dente & drained)
6 - ounces crab meat meat pieces
1/2 - 1 pound prepared deli crab salad
2 - tablespoons mayonnaise
salt and pepper to taste
cherry tomatoes, cut in half (optional)
sliced black olives (optional)

Cook pasta just until al dente and then drain and rinse under cold water. Add the pasta to a large bowl and add the crab pieces, mix to combine.  

Add the mayonnaise, crab salad, salt and pepper and toss to combine. 

If adding cherry tomatoes and sliced olives no rule here just as much as you like. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving. 

servings: 4-6 


4 comments

socaldinah said…
I tried to copy and paste the recipe but it didn't work...can you post a "print" version of this recipe...thanks
Jane said…
Hi Tina,
This looks so good! I'm going to make this for my next big family gathering! They'll love it!

Feel free to add this recipe to my new seafood linky!

http://makeaheadmealsforbusymoms.blogspot.com/2010/07/link-up-theme-isseafood.html
Unknown said…
Hello, I just so happen to have crabmeat, the bow ties, but no tomatoes of no kind, Except rotell??? So, I will experiment, I will drain & pat dry, also No Olives....I probably should just wait untill I have all the right stuff, NO WAY it's going to Taste as Good As Yours orYour Moms!!!!
Anonymous said…
I'm making a similar pasta salad gor my bday.. I love your blog ..love all of your recipes..keep up the great work!!!!