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- 8 oz fusilli pasta (or any pasta variety of your choice) - 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup cooked calamari rings - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup black olives, sliced - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped The main ingredients make this dish pop. Fusilli pasta is perfect for holding the dressing. You can swap it for other pasta types like penne or rotini. I love using shrimp and calamari for their sweet and tender bites. You can also add scallops or crab for a twist. Fresh veggies give the salad crunch and color. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness, while black olives provide a briny kick. Red onion brings sharpness, and parsley adds a fresh finish. These ingredients combine to create a vibrant and tasty salad. - 1/4 cup mayonnaise - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste The dressing is key to flavor. Mayonnaise gives a creamy base, but Greek yogurt can be a lighter option. Fresh lemon juice adds brightness, while olive oil gives richness. Dijon mustard gives it a nice zing. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper. Taste as you mix! For the full recipe, be sure to check out the details provided. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. The salt adds flavor to the pasta. Once the water boils, add your fusilli pasta. Cook it for about 8-10 minutes or until it is al dente. Al dente means firm to the bite. Drain the pasta and then rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools the pasta down quickly. Set it aside in a large bowl. If your shrimp and calamari are not pre-cooked, you need to cook them. Heat a small drizzle of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and calamari. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until the seafood is opaque. This shows it is fully cooked. Once done, remove it from the heat and let it cool down on a plate. To make the dressing, grab a small mixing bowl. Combine mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, and Dijon mustard. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This dressing brings all the flavors together. In a big mixing bowl, combine your cooled pasta, cooked shrimp, calamari, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, chopped red onion, and parsley. It’s important to mix well. Once combined, drizzle the dressing over the pasta and seafood mixture. Gently toss everything so that each ingredient gets coated with the dressing. Cover your salad with plastic wrap or a lid. Chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time helps the flavors meld beautifully. For serving, use a stylish bowl. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a bright touch. Enjoy your colorful and vibrant seafood fiesta! For a complete guide, check out the Full Recipe. To make your seafood pasta salad great, start by cooking your pasta al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and ruin the dish. Cook the pasta in salted water. This adds flavor. After cooking, rinse the pasta under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools it quickly. Next, balance the flavors in your dressing. Use a mix of mayonnaise, lemon juice, olive oil, and Dijon mustard. The lemon juice adds brightness, while the mustard gives a nice kick. Taste the dressing as you mix. Adjust salt and pepper to suit your taste. This small step can elevate the whole salad. A colorful dish is always more inviting. Use bright ingredients like cherry tomatoes and fresh parsley. Cherry tomatoes add red, while parsley brings green. Black olives add depth with their dark color. Aim for a rainbow on your plate! When serving, think about garnishing. Fresh herbs, like parsley, look beautiful on top. You can also add lemon wedges for a pop of color. This makes your seafood pasta salad look as good as it tastes. Some people have special dietary needs. If someone is gluten-free, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta. There are many great options available. Quinoa pasta and brown rice pasta work well too. You can also swap seafood if needed. For a vegetarian option, use grilled vegetables or chickpeas instead of seafood. This way, you keep the dish tasty and satisfying for everyone. {{image_4}} You can mix up the seafood in your salad. Try adding crab, scallops, or lobster for a fun twist. Each of these options brings a new flavor to your dish. They pair well with the other ingredients and make your salad more exciting. If you want a vegetarian option, use hearty vegetables. Grilled zucchini or artichokes add a nice touch. You can also use chickpeas for protein and texture. These choices keep the dish fresh and vibrant without seafood. The pasta you choose matters. Fusilli holds the dressing well, but other shapes work too. Penne, farfalle, or even orzo can create unique textures. Each pasta type adds its own flair to the dish. If you want a healthier option, try whole grain pasta. It offers more fiber and nutrients. Gluten-free pasta is also a great choice for those with dietary needs. There are many options available today that taste great and hold up well in salads. You can switch up the dressing to suit your taste. A light vinaigrette can give a zesty kick. You can mix olive oil, vinegar, and fresh herbs for a fresh flavor. Another idea is to add yogurt for a creamy texture without too many calories. You can include spices like garlic or chili flakes to liven it up. Customizing your dressing is a fun way to explore flavors. For the full recipe, check out the Seafood Fiesta Pasta Salad. To keep your seafood pasta salad fresh, store it in the fridge. First, let it cool down after making. Use a tight container to protect it from air. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work best. Make sure to cover it well to keep flavors strong. It stays tasty for up to three days. If your salad seems dry after a few days, you can refresh it. Add a splash of lemon juice or a drizzle of olive oil to revive the flavors. Toss it gently to mix. If it smells off or looks funny, it’s time to toss it out. Safety first! Enjoy it fresh for the best taste! You can make your Seafood Pasta Salad ahead of time. First, cook the pasta and seafood as usual. Then, let them cool completely. Once cool, mix the pasta, seafood, and veggies. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This salad tastes even better after chilling for a few hours or overnight. Just remember to add the dressing right before serving. This keeps the salad fresh and crisp. I love using shrimp and calamari for this salad. They bring great flavor and texture. You can also add crab or lobster for a special touch. If you prefer, you can use canned tuna or smoked salmon. These options offer a rich taste too. Choose seafood that you enjoy, and feel free to mix and match! Yes, you can customize this recipe easily! If you have seafood allergies, try using grilled chicken or tofu. For a vegan option, skip the seafood and use extra veggies. You can also use vegan mayo in the dressing. If you're gluten-free, just replace the pasta with gluten-free options. There are many ways to adapt this dish to fit your needs. Your Seafood Pasta Salad will stay fresh for about 3 days in the fridge. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain its taste. If you notice any changes in smell or texture, it’s best to throw it away. Always check for freshness before serving. Enjoy your salad within this time for the best flavor! This article covered the key ingredients for seafood pasta salad, along with step-by-step instructions. You learned about essential seafood, vegetables, and dressing components. I shared tips for perfect texture and visual appeal. Plus, I discussed variations and storage tips to keep your salad fresh. In closing, making a seafood pasta salad is simple and enjoyable. Customize it to suit your taste. With fresh ingredients and a bit of care, you can create a delightful dish that impresses everyone. Enjoy making it!

Seafood Pasta Salad

Dive into this delicious Seafood Fiesta Pasta Salad that's perfect for any gathering! Loaded with succulent shrimp, tender calamari, fresh veggies, and a zesty dressing, this pasta salad bursts with flavor and color. It’s easy to make and can be prepared in just 45 minutes!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz fusilli pasta (or any pasta variety of your choice)

1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup cooked calamari rings

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup black olives, sliced

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

1/4 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold running water to quickly cool it down and stop the cooking process. Set aside.

    Prepare the Seafood: If your shrimp and calamari aren't cooked, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and calamari, cooking for about 3-5 minutes, or until the seafood is opaque and cooked through. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

      Make the Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

        Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked shrimp, calamari, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, chopped red onion, and finely chopped parsley.

          Add the Dressing: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the pasta and seafood mixture. Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

            Chill and Serve: Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

              Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 45 min | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta salad in a stylish large salad bowl, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and lemon wedges on the side to enhance the visual appeal and add a touch of zest. Enjoy your colorful and vibrant seafood fiesta!