Imagine a dish that combines the irresistible crunch of crispy bacon, the delicate sweetness of fresh crab meat, and the perfect al dente pasta - all in one mouthwatering salad! This Bacon Crab Pasta Salad is not just a recipe; it's a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds to a coastal paradise. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue, planning a picnic, or simply craving a refreshing meal that's packed with flavor, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup crab meat
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 8 oz of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the bacon. In a skillet over medium heat, cook 4 slices of bacon until crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- Next, prepare the vegetables. Slice 1/4 cup of green onions and dice 1/2 cup of celery. Set them aside in a mixing bowl.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow the pasta to cool for a few minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, 1 cup of crab meat, 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, sliced green onions, and diced celery. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients without breaking up the crab meat too much.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the salad.
- Once everything is combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- After chilling, give the salad a gentle stir and taste for seasoning, adjusting if necessary. Serve the Bacon Crab Pasta Salad chilled, garnished with additional green onions if desired.
Tips
- Choose high-quality crab meat: Fresh or canned lump crab meat works best for maximum flavor and texture.
- Cook pasta al dente: Slightly firm pasta prevents the salad from becoming mushy when mixed with dressing.
- Cool ingredients thoroughly: Ensure pasta and bacon are completely cooled before mixing to maintain the salad's texture.
- Chill before serving: Letting the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Don't overmix: Gently fold ingredients to keep crab meat intact and prevent breaking.
- Customize your salad: Feel free to add extras like diced bell peppers or swap mayonnaise for a lighter Greek yogurt dressing.
- Make ahead: This salad tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or advance preparation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 85mg
