If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, zesty dish that brings a burst of fresh flavors and a hint of coastal charm to your table, this Crab Pasta Salad with Lemon, Dill, and Old Bay Seasoning Recipe is an absolute showstopper. It’s packed with tender crab meat, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dressing that sings with lemon brightness, the herbal touch of dill, and the unmistakable kick of Old Bay seasoning. Perfect for warm days, casual gatherings, or just when you want to treat yourself to something light yet utterly satisfying, this salad is one of those recipes you’ll want on speed dial.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of nine small bowls and cups arranged on a white marbled surface. Starting from the top left, there is one white bowl filled with small yellow pasta shells, then a white measuring cup with chopped red onions, and a clear glass bowl with thick white yogurt. Below them, a small white bowl holds dried green herbs, next to a clear glass bowl filled with chopped red bell peppers, and another clear glass bowl with a creamy white sauce. At the bottom left, a white measuring cup holds green peas, followed by a small clear cup with a light yellow liquid, a large clear bowl filled with chopped crab sticks, and lastly, another clear glass bowl with chopped green celery. All containers are neatly placed in rows with clear color contrast between the ingredients photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Crab Pasta Salad with Lemon, Dill, and Old Bay Seasoning Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each element plays a vital role—whether it’s the creamy yogurt and mayo base that keeps things luscious, the fresh crunch of celery and bell pepper, or the peas adding a touch of sweetness and color.

Medium pasta shells (16 oz.): Ideal for holding onto every bit of the creamy dressing and crab bits in every bite.
Plain Greek yogurt (¾ cup): Adds tanginess and creaminess while keeping the salad light and fresh.
Mayonnaise (¾ cup): Balances the yogurt with richness and helps bind the ingredients beautifully.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Brings an inviting brightness that elevates the whole salad.
Old Bay seasoning (2 teaspoons): The signature spice blend giving the salad a classic coastal flavor punch.
Dried dill (1 teaspoon): Offers a subtle herbal note that pairs perfectly with seafood.
Cooked crab or imitation crab meat (16 oz.): The star ingredient—delicate, flaky, and packed with flavor.
Celery (1 ½ cups, finely chopped): Adds a refreshing crunch and light texture contrast.
Frozen peas (1 cup, thawed): Their sweet pop of green makes the salad visually appealing and tasty.
Red bell pepper (1 cup, diced): Provides sweetness and vibrant color, rounding out the vegetable mix.
Red onion (½ cup, finely chopped): Delivers a sharp yet sweet edge to balance creaminess and spice.

How to Make Crab Pasta Salad with Lemon, Dill, and Old Bay Seasoning Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your medium pasta shells and cook them just until al dente, which usually matches the package directions. This ensures they hold their shape without turning mushy when mixed with the dressing. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly and stop the cooking process—this also helps wash away excess starch so the salad doesn’t become gummy.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, and dried dill. This creamy dressing is the heart of the Crab Pasta Salad with Lemon, Dill, and Old Bay Seasoning Recipe, harmonizing tang, spice, and herbaceous warmth. After whisking, taste the dressing and feel free to tweak by adding a pinch more Old Bay or an extra squeeze of lemon if you want that brightness to shine through even stronger.

Step 3: Add Salad Ingredients

To your dressing-filled bowl, gently fold in the cooled pasta, flaky crab meat, crisp celery, thawed peas, chopped red bell pepper, and finely diced red onion. Each ingredient brings its own texture and flavor, creating a deliciously balanced bite every time. Be gentle while mixing to keep the crab pieces intact and nicely distributed throughout the salad.

Step 4: Combine and Chill

Give everything a thorough but gentle stir to fully coat every piece with that luscious dressing. Now comes one of the keys to a great pasta salad: chilling. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a tight lid and refrigerate the salad for at least an hour. This resting time lets all those lovely flavors marry, elevating the taste to a whole new delicious level by the time you’re ready to serve.

How to Serve Crab Pasta Salad with Lemon, Dill, and Old Bay Seasoning Recipe

A clear glass bowl filled with a pasta salad sitting on a white marbled surface. The salad has three main layers: the base layer is light yellow shell-shaped pasta, mixed evenly with chopped red bell peppers, green peas, diced celery, and small pieces of white and pink crab sticks. The whole salad is coated with a creamy, off-white dressing, giving it a smooth texture. The bowl is covered tightly with clear plastic wrap, showing slight reflections and folds on its surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To add a bit of flair and fresh pop to your Crab Pasta Salad with Lemon, Dill, and Old Bay Seasoning Recipe, consider sprinkling some additional fresh dill or a few lemon zest strands on top. A light drizzle of good olive oil or a few whole parsley leaves can also brighten the presentation and freshen the palate.

Side Dishes

This salad truly shines alongside grilled seafood, crusty artisanal bread, or a crisp green salad. If you’re serving it at a barbecue or picnic, pair it with corn on the cob or a tangy coleslaw to complement the citrusy and slightly spiced notes of the crab pasta salad.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, serve the salad in hollowed-out lemon halves or individual mini bowls made from cucumber cups. It’s also fantastic served atop a bed of baby greens or stuffed inside fresh pita pockets for a portable lunch that tastes as good as it looks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Crab Pasta Salad with Lemon, Dill, and Old Bay Seasoning Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy as a quick lunch or a light dinner the next day. Give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute any dressing that might have settled.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well, as the texture of the pasta and vegetables will suffer upon thawing. To keep the best texture and flavor, plan to consume it within a few days rather than freezing.

Reheating

Since this is a pasta salad served cold, reheating is usually not needed or recommended. However, if you prefer it at room temperature, simply take it out of the fridge 15-20 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh crab instead of imitation crab?

Absolutely! Fresh crab adds an authentic flavor and delicate texture that really elevates this recipe. Just be sure to use cooked crab meat and gently fold it into the salad to keep those beautiful flakes intact.

Can I substitute mayonnaise with something else?

Yes, you can swap mayonnaise for extra Greek yogurt if you’re aiming for a lighter version, or use a creamy avocado spread for a dairy-free twist. Adjust the seasoning accordingly since these swaps can change the flavor slightly.

Is Old Bay seasoning very spicy?

Old Bay seasoning has a mild heat balanced with savory, citrusy, and herbal notes. It adds a flavorful punch without overwhelming spiciness, making it perfect for seafood dishes like this Crab Pasta Salad with Lemon, Dill, and Old Bay Seasoning Recipe.

Can I prepare this salad in advance for a party?

Yes! This salad benefits from a few hours of chilling to let the flavors meld together. For best quality, prepare it the day before your event and keep it refrigerated until serving.

What pasta shape works best for this salad?

Medium pasta shells are ideal as they trap the dressing and crab perfectly, but other short pasta shapes like rotini, farfalle, or penne also work wonderfully depending on what you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

This Crab Pasta Salad with Lemon, Dill, and Old Bay Seasoning Recipe is a delightful dish that manages to feel both special and effortless. Whether you’re packing it for a picnic or serving it at your next family dinner, its bright flavors and satisfying textures are sure to become a favorite. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it on repeat!