![- 8 ounces fusilli pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup calamari rings, cooked - 1 cup scallops, cooked and quartered - 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup black olives, sliced - 1/3 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped The main star of this dish is fusilli pasta. Its spiral shape holds sauce well, creating a delightful bite. Next, seafood brings life to your salad. I love using shrimp, calamari, and scallops. Each adds a unique flavor and texture. Fresh vegetables enhance the dish, adding crunch and color. Cherry tomatoes and bell peppers are my favorites. They blend perfectly with seafood. Red onion gives a nice sharpness, while black olives add a salty kick. Lastly, fresh parsley brightens everything. It adds a hint of freshness that ties all the flavors together. - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste A great dressing can make or break your salad. I use extra-virgin olive oil for a rich flavor. Fresh lemon juice adds a zesty touch. Garlic powder and oregano bring warmth and depth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This dressing balances the seafood and veggies perfectly. You can adjust the ingredients based on your taste. Want it tangier? Add more lemon juice! - Caloric content per serving: around 400 calories - Breakdown of macronutrients: 15g fat, 25g protein, 50g carbs - Dietary modifications: gluten-free pasta options available This seafood pasta salad is not just delicious; it’s healthy too! Each serving has about 400 calories. With 15g of fat, it provides healthy fats from the olive oil. The seafood adds around 25g of protein, making it filling. Carbs from the pasta offer energy for the day. If you need a gluten-free option, swap fusilli with gluten-free pasta. Enjoy this dish without worry! For the full recipe, check out [Full Recipe]. First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of fusilli pasta. Cook the pasta for about 10-12 minutes. You want it to be al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. To check, taste a piece a minute before the time is up. Once it's ready, drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking. This cools the pasta and helps it mix better later. While the pasta cools, get your seafood and veggies ready. For the seafood, use 1 cup each of cooked shrimp, calamari rings, and scallops. Make sure they are all cooked and cut to size. In a bowl, add the seafood along with 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup of diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup of chopped red onion, and 1/4 cup of sliced black olives. Mix these gently so you don’t break the seafood. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Toss in a pinch of salt and some freshly ground pepper. Whisk until it’s combined and well mixed. You want the dressing to be smooth and flavorful. Now, drizzle the dressing over the seafood and veggies. Use a spatula to mix everything gently. You want to coat all the ingredients without breaking the seafood. Next, add the cooled pasta to the bowl. Toss it all together until the pasta and the seafood mix well. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. Chilling is vital for this salad. It helps the flavors blend. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This resting time makes the salad taste even better. For the best flavor, let it chill longer if you can. For the Full Recipe, check the detailed steps. Enjoy your vibrant and flavorful seafood pasta salad! Serve the salad in a large, shallow bowl. This helps guests see all the bright colors. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Add lemon wedges around the bowl for a zesty flair. Guests can squeeze lemon juice for extra flavor. Adjust seasoning to your taste. Add a pinch more salt or pepper for a kick. Want more zest? Add a splash of lemon juice. You can swap out seafood too. Use crab or lobster instead of shrimp or scallops. This keeps the dish exciting. For seafood, grilling or poaching works well. Both options bring out great flavors. When cooking pasta, use plenty of water and salt. This helps achieve a great texture. After boiling, rinse the pasta under cold water. This cools it down and stops the cooking process. Follow these tips for a delightful experience with your seafood pasta salad. For the complete dish, check the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can mix up the seafood in this salad. Lobster and crab make great options. They add a sweet taste and a nice texture. Fresh seafood is often better. It has more flavor and a firmer bite. However, canned seafood is quick and easy. It saves time, but may lack some taste. Always check the quality when buying canned seafood. If you want a gluten-free option, try brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta. They work well and keep the dish tasty. Whole grain pasta is another healthy choice. It adds fiber and a nutty flavor. You can even swap pasta for orzo or quinoa. Both are light and absorb flavors nicely. Adding vegetables boosts the salad's flavor and color. Try bell peppers, cucumber, or arugula. They add crunch and freshness. You can also sprinkle cheese on top. Feta or Parmesan add creaminess. For a crunch, add nuts like pine nuts or almonds. They bring texture and nutritional value. Use these ideas to make your salad unique! Store your seafood pasta salad in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. Make sure to eat leftovers within three days. To maintain flavor, avoid adding dressing until you're ready to serve. If you must store dressed salad, mix gently to prevent seafood from breaking apart. Freezing seafood pasta salad is not ideal due to seafood texture changes. However, if you choose to freeze, do so in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and gently warm on low heat. Avoid high heat to keep the seafood from becoming tough. When stored properly, seafood pasta salad lasts up to three days in the fridge. Look for signs of spoilage like off smells or slimy textures. If it looks or smells unusual, it’s best to toss it out. Keeping an eye on your salad ensures you enjoy it at its freshest. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. I recommend preparing it a few hours before serving. This way, the flavors meld well. If you want the best taste, chill it for at least 30 minutes. But if you make it the night before, that works too. Just keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to eat. You can use many types of seafood in this salad. Here are some great options: - Shrimp - Calamari - Scallops - Lobster - Crab - Clams - Mussels These seafood choices add different flavors and textures. Feel free to mix and match based on what you like or have on hand. Absolutely! You can change the dressing to suit your taste. Here are some ideas: - Add a dash of hot sauce for spice. - Mix in some honey for sweetness. - Use fresh herbs like basil or dill for extra flavor. - Swap lemon juice for lime juice for a twist. - Add some mustard for a tangy kick. These changes can make the dressing unique and exciting. Feel free to get creative! In this post, we explored the delicious world of seafood pasta salad. We covered essential ingredients like fusilli, seafood, and fresh veggies, along with easy dressing instructions. I shared tips for cooking, presentation, and storage. You can even customize this salad to fit your taste and dietary needs. Remember, using fresh ingredients makes all the difference. Enjoy your cooking journey and create a dish that impresses everyone!](https://mealinmoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/42e4ea1e-59cf-42e4-8206-044e8b275a61-250x250.webp)
Seafood Pasta Salad
Dive into a refreshing Zesty Seafood Pasta Salad Extravaganza that’s perfect for any occasion! This vibrant dish features fusilli pasta tossed with succulent shrimp, calamari, scallops, and colorful veggies, all drizzled with a zesty lemon dressing. With simple steps and bright flavors, it's a must-try recipe for seafood lovers. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your friends and family with this delightful salad!