Ingredients:

  • 1 lb tri-color rotini pasta
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 lb imitation crab flakes, chopped
  • 1 cup celery, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely minced
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup frozen sweet peas, thawed
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp Old Bay Seasoning
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Boil the rotini. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1 tbsp of kosher salt. Cook the pasta for exactly 10 minutes — this is usually 1 minute less than the package says. Note: We want 'al dente' because the pasta will soften slightly as it sits in the dressing.
  2. The High Pressure Rinse. Drain the pasta and immediately blast it with the coldest water your tap can provide. Move the noodles around with your hands until they are completely cold to the touch.
  3. Prep the crab. While the pasta drains, take your imitation crab and either chop it into 1/2 inch chunks or use your fingers to pull the flakes apart into natural looking shreds.
  4. Whisk the dressing. In a small separate bowl, combine the mayo, sour cream, lemon juice, Old Bay, Dijon, and fresh dill. Whisk until the color is a uniform pale orange pink and the herbs are evenly distributed.
  5. Prep the veg. Finely dice the celery, red pepper, and onion. Thaw your peas by running them under warm water for 30 seconds, then pat them dry.
  6. Combine the base. In your largest bowl, toss the cold pasta with the prepared crab and all the vegetables.
  7. The Big Fold. Pour the dressing over the top. Use your spatula to scoop from the bottom and fold over the top until every spiral is glistening and coated.
  8. Season and taste. Add your 1/2 tsp of salt and pepper. Give it one last mix.
  9. The Chill Phase. Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the pasta to set. | Fresh vs Shortcut | Prep Time | Flavor Impact | |-------------------|-----------|---------------| | Fresh Lump Crab | 45 mins | Very sweet/delicate, but expensive and can get lost. | | Imitation Flakes | 5 mins | Bold, consistent, and holds its shape perfectly. | | Frozen Peas | 2 mins | Brighter color and better pop than canned. |