Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (450 g) Medium Pasta Shape (Rotini, Elbow Macaroni, or Medium Shells)
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Coarse Sea Salt (for boiling water)
  • 1 pound (450 g) Cooked Medium Shrimp (Prawns), peeled, deveined, and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
  • 8 ounces (225 g) Imitation Crab Meat (Surimi), flaked or chopped
  • 1 cup (150 g) Celery, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) Red Onion, finely minced
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) Red Bell Pepper, diced small
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) Fresh Parsley, chopped
  • 1 cup (240 ml) High-Quality Mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) Red Wine Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) Fresh Lemon Juice (from about 2 medium lemons)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Dijon Mustard
  • 1 tablespoon (5 g) Fresh Dill, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 teaspoon (5 g) Granulated Sugar (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2 g) Smoked Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon (5 g) Coarse Salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2 g) Freshly Ground Black Pepper (or to taste)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Pasta and Cool Down: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package directions. Drain the pasta immediately using a colander. Rinse thoroughly under cold running water for 1-2 minutes to halt the cooking process and remove excess starch. Transfer the rinsed, drained pasta to the large mixing bowl and set aside.
  2. Assemble the Vegetables and Seafood: Finely dice the celery, red onion, and red bell pepper. Chop the fresh parsley. Prepare the seafood by chopping the cooked shrimp into 1/2 inch pieces and flaking or chopping the imitation crab meat. Add all prepped vegetables, parsley, shrimp, and crab meat to the bowl with the cooled pasta.
  3. Whisk the Dressing: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. Add the fresh dill, smoked paprika, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously until everything is emulsified and the dressing is creamy. Taste the dressing and adjust salt or lemon juice as needed.
  4. Mix and Chill: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta, seafood, and vegetables. Gently fold the mixture until every piece of pasta is coated in the dressing and the ingredients are evenly distributed. Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes, and up to 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld. Before serving, give the salad one last stir and check the seasoning one final time.