Seafood Pasta Salad With Creamy Strawberry Dressing

Name: Seafood Pasta Salad With Creamy Strawberry Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: Salad; 1 (22 ounce) package small shell pasta; 8 ounces small baby shrimp, precooked; 8 ounces imitation crabmeat, cut into small pieces; 1 small red onion, chopped finely; 4 stalks celery, chopped; 6 ounces smoked gouda cheese, diced; 1 cup walnuts, chopped; 3 tablespoons dried tarragon; salt and pepper, to taste; 12 strawberries, halved; Dressing; 2/3 cup mashed strawberry (about 8-10 medium size strawberries); 1 cup plain yogurt; 1 -2 teaspoon sugar (optional)

Servings: persons

Salad
1 (22 ounce) package small shell pasta
8 ounces small baby shrimp, precooked
8 ounces imitation crabmeat, cut into small pieces
1 small red onion, chopped finely
4 stalks celery, chopped
6 ounces smoked gouda cheese, diced
1 cup walnuts, chopped
3 tablespoons dried tarragon
salt and pepper, to taste
12 strawberries, halved
Dressing
2/3 cup mashed strawberry (about 8-10 medium size strawberries)
1 cup plain yogurt
1 -2 teaspoon sugar (optional)

1
Cook seashell pasta according to package directions and let stand in sink to cool and allow excess water to drain. Place cooled, drained pasta in a large salad bowl.
2
Add the shrimp, crab, onion, celery, cheese, walnuts, tarragon and salt and pepper to the pasta. With a large spoon, gently mix the salad ingredients until well blended.
3
With a potato masher. mash about 8 medium-size strawberries until you have 2/3 cup of mashed strawberries. (You can also puree them in a food processor if you want a thinner dressing.) Add yogurt and mix well. Then add 1-2 teaspoons or more (if desired) of sugar to reach desired sweetness. Stir well.
4
Add the creamy strawberry dressing to the salad mixture, and blend thoroughly with a large spoon. Chill until ready to serve.
5
For added color, garnish the top of the salad with any remaining strawberry halves.

774

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 15 ingredients. The key ingredients include: Salad, 1 (22 ounce) package small shell pasta, 8 ounces small baby shrimp, precooked, 8 ounces imitation crabmeat, cut into small pieces, and more.

Yes, Seafood Pasta Salad With Creamy Strawberry Dressing falls under the Seafood category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoy within 1–2 days for the best freshness. Best served cold — no reheating needed.

That's it — enjoy your meal!