If you're fishing for an easy seafood pasta salad, this salad made with gluten-free shell pasta, imitation crab meat, Colby cheese, water chestnuts, peas, black olives, and everyday spices makes a great side dish or a light main-dish meal perfect for summertime eating!
Cook pasta in large pot or saucepan using the package directions as a guideline.
Most kinds of pasta cook in 8 to 12 minutes. Cook until it is tender and firm but no longer crunchy - al-dente' (ahl-DEN-Tay). Drain the pasta, then rinse in cold water to bring the temperature down quickly, stopping the cooking process and keeping the noodles loose for the salad. Once cooled, transfer the cooled pasta to a colander or mesh strainer, shake to remove excess water. Set aside.
Prep the Ingredients
Drain the water chestnuts, then slice or chop into small pieces.
Cut the Colby cheese into approximately 1/4-inch cubes.
Drain and slice the Imitation Crab legs into bite-size 1/2-inch chunks.
If using whole black olives, slice them into 1/8-inch slices.
To Assemble the Salad
Add the drained and cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl, then add the water chestnuts, black olives, peas, cheese, and Imitation Crab.
Add the mayonnaise and sprinkle the seasonings over the top of all the ingredients.
Using the back of a large spoon, lightly spread the mayonnaise, seasoning and spices over the ingredients, then gently fold the mayonnaise and spice mixture into the pasta until evenly blended.
Cover and place into the refrigerator for 30 to 45 minutes to allow for the flavors to blend. Stir gently before serving. Enjoy!
KITCHEN NOTES
G-Free Quick Tip: Nearly everyone knows and loves Lawry's ® Seasoned Salt, the famous seasoning blend with endless uses.At G-Free Deliciously, we've made a gluten-free copycat version that tastes just like you remember it, at a fraction of the supermarket price. To make it, check out the recipe for Gluten-Free Seasoned Salt {Lawry's ® Seasoned Salt – Copycat Recipe}.