Ingredients

For the Salad

  • 300 g (10 oz) pasta shells, macaroni, or rotini
  • 250 g (8 oz) imitation crab meat or cooked shrimp, chopped
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup celery, finely sliced
  • 1 medium carrot, diced
  • ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
  • ¼ cup green onions, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Creamy Dressing

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill

Garnish

  • Fresh dill sprigs
  • Extra black pepper
  • Chopped parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
  3. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  4. Allow the pasta to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Seafood

  1. If using imitation crab meat, chop it into bite-sized pieces.
  2. If using cooked shrimp, peel, clean, and chop into small pieces.
  3. Place the seafood in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

  1. Wash and dice the cucumber.
  2. Finely slice the celery.
  3. Dice the carrot and bell pepper.
  4. Chop the green onions, dill, and parsley.
  5. Add all vegetables to the bowl with the seafood.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

  1. In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise and sour cream.
  2. Add lemon juice and Dijon mustard.
  3. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and dried dill.
  4. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

  1. Add the cooled pasta to the seafood and vegetable mixture.
  2. Pour the creamy dressing over the salad.
  3. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Chill

  1. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid.
  2. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  3. Chilling allows the flavors to blend together and improves the texture.

Step 7: Serve

  1. Transfer the salad to a serving bowl.
  2. Garnish with fresh dill, parsley, and a sprinkle of black pepper.
  3. Serve cold and enjoy.