Go Back
- 2 cups cooked fusilli pasta - 1 cup cooked shrimp - 1 cup canned tuna - 1 cup cherry tomatoes - 1/2 cup cucumber - 1/4 cup red onion - 1/4 cup black olives - 1/4 cup parsley - 1/4 cup mayonnaise - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - Salt and pepper to taste Gathering the right ingredients makes your seafood pasta salad shine. Start with 2 cups of cooked fusilli pasta. This pasta holds sauce well and adds a fun twist. Next, you need 1 cup of cooked shrimp. Make sure they are peeled and deveined. 1 cup of canned tuna adds protein and flavor. 1 cup of cherry tomatoes gives sweetness and color. I love using them halved for a juicy bite. Then, chop up 1/2 cup of cucumber for a refreshing crunch. To add some zing, include 1/4 cup of red onion. Slice 1/4 cup of black olives for a salty touch. For freshness, 1/4 cup of parsley brightens the dish. The dressing is key, so use 1/4 cup of mayonnaise. 2 tablespoons of lemon juice will add a nice zing. Finally, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard gives a flavorful kick. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. These ingredients create a colorful and tasty seafood pasta salad. Check out the Full Recipe to see how to bring it all together! - Combine pasta and seafood Start by placing your cooked fusilli pasta in a large bowl. Add the cooked shrimp and flaked tuna. Toss these together gently. This mix brings together the rich flavors of seafood with the pasta. - Make the creamy dressing In another bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. This will create a zesty and creamy dressing. Make sure it is smooth and free of lumps. - Toss salad ingredients Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta and seafood mix. Use a spatula or tongs to toss everything together. Ensure every piece is coated well for that great flavor in every bite. - Adjust seasoning and fold in parsley Taste the salad. Add salt and pepper to your liking. Next, fold in the chopped parsley. This adds a fresh touch and brightens up the dish. - Chill for optimal flavor Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time helps the flavors blend perfectly together, making every bite even more delicious. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions and ingredients list provided above. - Use fresh seafood to enhance taste: Fresh shrimp and tuna bring big flavor to your salad. They taste better than canned or frozen options. Visit your local fish market for the best selection. - Opt for whole grain pasta for added nutrition: Whole grain pasta has more fiber than regular pasta. It makes your salad heartier and keeps you full longer. You can find it in most grocery stores. - Adjust creaminess with mayo or yogurt: You can use mayonnaise for a rich taste or yogurt for a lighter option. Mixing them can give you the best of both worlds. Try different ratios to see what you like best. - Tips for resting time before serving: Let your salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps all the flavors mix and taste better. If you have time, chill it even longer for a more robust flavor. These tips will take your seafood pasta salad to the next level. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. Enjoy your cooking! {{image_4}} You can change this seafood pasta salad to suit your taste. Here are some easy swaps: - Alternative seafood options: If you want a different flavor, try using crab or salmon instead of shrimp and tuna. These options add a rich, meaty taste to your salad. Crab has a sweet note, while salmon gives a nice, smoky flavor. - Veggie add-ins for extra crunch: Want more texture? Toss in some diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even chopped celery. These veggies add color and crunch. You can also use peas or corn for a pop of sweetness. - Different dressings for unique flavors: If you want to mix things up, try using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter option. You can also add a splash of soy sauce or a drizzle of olive oil mixed with vinegar for a different twist. A pesto dressing can give your salad a herby kick. These variations keep your seafood pasta salad fresh and exciting. Experiment with flavors to find your favorite combination! For the full recipe, check out the section above. To keep your seafood pasta salad fresh, you must store it properly. First, place the salad in an airtight container. This helps prevent air from spoiling the ingredients. Store it in the fridge right after serving. Your salad should stay fresh for about 3 days. Make sure to check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. If you see any signs of spoilage, it's best to toss it out. Freezing seafood pasta salad is not ideal. The pasta and seafood may become mushy when thawed. If you do freeze it, use a freezer-safe container. Consume it within a month to ensure the best taste. Remember, always label your container with the date. This way, you won’t forget how long it has been stored. For more details on making this dish, check the Full Recipe. Can I use frozen seafood? Yes, you can use frozen seafood. Just thaw it first. Cooked shrimp or crab works great. Make sure it's fully cooked before adding it to your salad. How long does the salad last in the fridge? The salad lasts about three days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. The flavors get better as it sits. What can I substitute for mayonnaise? You can use Greek yogurt as a healthier option. It gives a nice creaminess. You could also try avocado or a vinaigrette for a lighter taste. Is this recipe gluten-free? This recipe is not gluten-free with fusilli pasta. However, you can use gluten-free pasta. Look for options made from rice or quinoa for a great swap. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions to create this refreshing dish! This seafood pasta salad is easy and tasty. We used fresh shrimp, tuna, and a mix of colorful veggies. I shared steps for making a creamy dressing and tips to enhance flavor. You can even swap seafood or add extra veggies for fun. Remember to store your salad correctly to keep it fresh. With these tips, you will impress your guests and make a salad they love. Enjoy creating this dish and exploring your own variations!

Quick and Easy Seafood Pasta Salad

Dive into the delicious world of Zippy Seafood Fusion Pasta Salad! This refreshing dish combines cooked fusilli pasta, succulent shrimp, and tender tuna with a medley of vibrant veggies. Tossed in a creamy lemon-Dijon dressing, it’s perfect for picnics, summer gatherings, or a light dinner. Ready in just 15 minutes, this easy recipe is a must-try. Click through for the full recipe and elevate your dining experience!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked fusilli pasta, drained and cooled

1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup canned tuna, meticulously drained and flaked

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved for a juicy burst

1/2 cup crunchy cucumber, finely diced

1/4 cup red onion, very finely chopped for a mild bite

1/4 cup black olives, sliced into rounds

1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped for freshness

1/4 cup creamy mayonnaise

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice for zing

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard to kick up the flavor

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cooled and cooked fusilli pasta with the cooked shrimp and flaked tuna. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and sliced black olives for a delightful medley of textures and flavors.

    In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, blending until you achieve a smooth and creamy dressing.

      Drizzle the prepared dressing over the seafood and pasta mixture. Gently toss with a spatula or tongs until every morsel is beautifully coated in the creamy goodness.

        Taste the salad and feel free to adjust the seasoning by adding more salt and pepper as needed to enhance the flavors.

          Carefully fold in the chopped parsley, which not only adds a vibrant pop of color but also a fresh herbal note.

            Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows all the wonderful flavors to meld beautifully.

              When ready to serve, scoop the chilled salad into individual bowls or a larger serving dish. For an extra flourish, garnish with additional parsley to impress your guests.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling) | Servings: 4