Creamy Crab & Cucumber Pasta Salad

This creamy crab and cucumber pasta salad is refreshing, light, and perfect for warm days—or as a make-ahead side dish for any occasion. With tender pasta, sweet crab meat, crisp cucumbers, and a tangy, herbed dressing, this dish is comforting yet healthy. It’s also low in points, making it an excellent guilt-free treat!

✨ Description

A cold pasta salad tossed with imitation crab sticks, cucumbers, herbs, and a creamy dressing made from light mayonnaise and Greek yogurt. It’s crunchy, creamy, and flavorful all at once. Whether served at barbecues, potlucks, or as a quick family dinner side, this salad always disappears fast.

 Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked short pasta (elbow, rotini, or shells)
• 1 ½ cups imitation crab sticks (or real crab), chopped
• 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced (half-moons)
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (non-fat or low-fat)
• ¼ cup light mayonnaise
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt & black pepper, to taste

‍ Instructions

1. Cook Pasta – Boil pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
2. Make Dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayo, mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until creamy.
3. Mix Salad – In a large bowl, combine pasta, crab, cucumber, dill, and green onions. Pour dressing over and gently toss until well coated.
4. Chill – Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
5. Garnish & Serve – Top with extra dill or a sprinkle of black pepper before serving.

 Servings

Makes 4 servings (about 1½ cups per serving).

 Nutritional Info (per serving)

• Calories: ~210
• Protein: 12g
• Carbs: 25g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• WW Points: ~2 points (using light mayo & non-fat Greek yogurt)

 Notes & Tips

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Best made 2–3 hours in advance for flavor blending.
• Veggie Variations: Add celery, bell peppers, or red onion for crunch.
• Protein Swap: Use grilled chicken, shrimp, or tuna instead of crab.
• Dressing Adjustments: For extra tang, add a splash of pickle juice or apple cider vinegar.
• Serving Idea: Pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or BBQ.

 Benefits

• Low in points and calories but filling.
• High in protein to keep you satisfied.
• Refreshing, creamy, and balanced with crunch.
• Perfect for meal prep and quick lunches.
• A healthier take on traditional creamy pasta salads.

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Use vegan mayo and coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt.

Q: How long does it keep?
About 3 days in the fridge in an airtight container. Stir before serving.

Q: Can I freeze it?
Not recommended—pasta and cucumbers lose texture after thawing.

Q: Can I use real crab?
Absolutely! Fresh lump crab elevates this salad to the next level.