Best Creamy Seafood Pasta Salad

Ingredients

• 1 lb. Your fave short-cut pasta ((Read Blog Post for the best pasta types))
• 1 lb. wild-caught jumbo or colossal shrimp, deveined ((Read Blog Post for best seafood alternatives))
• 2 cups imitation crab meat, roughly chopped
• 2 Tbsps unsalted butter
• 1 medium bell pepper, diced
• 1 celery stalk, chopped small
• 1/2 red onion, chopped ((You can also sub with white or yellow as well))
• 2 tsps cajun seasoning, homemade or store-bought
• 1 tsp smoked paprika, optional
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 2 cups mayonnaise, organic
• 1/2 lemon, freshly-squeezed
• 2 Tbsps dijon mustard
• 2 Tbsps dill relish
• 1 tsp oyster sauce ((You can also sub with Worcestershire sauce))
• 1 tsp dill

Instructions

1. 1

   --- BOIL THE PASTA: ---

2. 2

   Bring a large pot of water to a boil with a pinch of salt and add your fave shortcut pasta and cook according to packaging, about 8-10 minutes in most cases. Once cooked, drain, and lightly toss in olive oil (to prevent sticking together), cool and set aside.

3. 3

   --- SAUTE/SEAR THE SHRIMP: ---

4. 4

   In a bowl, add the shrimp and the seasonings: cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and garlic powder, stirring to combine until shrimp are coated. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to marinate.

5. 5

   In a medium 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat, add the butter until melted. Add in the seasoned shrimp and cook on both sides (about 3-4 minutes), until pink and cooked through. Set aside unto a plate.

6. 6

   --- ASSEMBLE THE SALAD: ---

7. 7

   In a bowl, add the cooled cooked pasta, sautéed shrimp, chopped crab meat, diced bell pepper, chopped celery, chopped onions, relish, mayonnaise, dill, dijon mustard, oyster sauce, and lemon juice, tossing everything together until combined and creamy.

8. 8

   Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow all of the ingredients + flavors to marry together.

9. 9

   To serve, add the seafood salad to a bowl(s) and enjoy on it's own or with your favorite side.

10. 10

    Bon Appetit!