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Seafood Pasta with Lemon-Saffron Herb Dressing

This elegant seafood pasta with lemon-saffron herb dressing is a sophisticated take on a classic cold salad. Combining succulent prawns and delicate crabmeat with a vibrant, citrus-infused dressing, this high-protein dish offers a wonderful depth of flavour. The addition of saffron provides a beautiful golden hue and an earthy aroma that complements the fresh tarragon and dill perfectly, making it an ideal choice for a light yet satisfying meal during the warmer months.

Perfect for alfresco dining or a refined weekend lunch, this recipe is as nourishing as it is flavourful. The crisp celery and peppery rocket provide a lovely textural contrast to the tender campanelle pasta and rich seafood. For the best results, allow the pasta to chill for at least an hour before serving, which ensures the herbs and lemon fully penetrate the ingredients. Serve with extra lemon wedges for a bright, zesty finish.

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Ingredients for Seafood Pasta with Lemon-Saffron Herb Dressing

  • 350g campanelle (trumpet-shaped pasta) or macaroni

  • 1/8 teaspoons crushed saffron threads

  • 110ml fresh lemon juice, divided

  • 90ml extra-virgin olive oil, divided

  • 120ml mayonnaise

  • 120ml soured cream

  • 60ml thinly sliced spring onions

  • 2 tablespoons drained capers

  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh tarragon plus sprigs for garnish

  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill plus sprigs for garnish

  • 1 teaspoon sugar

  • 450g cooked medium prawns

  • 100g finely chopped celery

  • 230g Dungeness crabmeat

  • 2 large handfuls of rocket

  • 2 small heads of butter lettuce

  • Lemon wedges

How to make Seafood Pasta with Lemon-Saffron Herb Dressing

Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain, reserving 120ml cooking liquid. Place 45ml hot cooking liquid in medium bowl. Sprinkle saffron over and let stand at room temperature 5 minutes. Transfer pasta to large bowl. Drizzle pasta with 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1 tablespoon oil; toss to coat. Let stand at room temperature until cool, stirring occasionally.

Add mayonnaise, soured cream, spring onions, capers, minced tarragon, minced dill, sugar, remaining 90ml lemon juice, and remaining 80ml oil to bowl with saffron liquid. Whisk to combine. Season saffron dressing to taste with salt and pepper. Pour dressing over pasta. Add prawns and celery; toss to coat. Add reserved pasta cooking liquid by tablespoonfuls if mixture is dry. Add crab; toss gently. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours.

Line platter with rocket and butter lettuce leaves. Spoon pasta over greens. Garnish with lemon wedges and tarragon and dill sprigs. Serve cold.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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