Crab Rangoon Pasta Salad

Crab Rangoon Pasta Salad is a game changer for crab rangoon lovers! This rich and creamy pasta salad is packed with all the great flavors of classic crab rangoons. Topped with crispy wonton strips for a pop of crunch, this is a must try recipe!

Crab Rangoon Pasta Salad Recipe

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It's safe to say we are HUGE fans of everything crab rangoons. We've transformed the classic appetizer recipe into a Dip, Wonton Cups, Pinwheels, and Puffs. It's no surprise we had to come up with a fun twist on a crab rangoon pasta salad! What's not to love about a healthier way to make crab rangoons, and an easier way to make a big batch for a crowd. This pasta salad is perfect for summer entertaining, holiday get togethers, game days, and meal prep lunches!

What is Crab Rangoon Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is a fun twist on classic crab rangoons, a world famous appetizer! A creamy salad dressing is made with cream cheese, Japanese kewpie mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and soy sauce. It's the perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and umami. Diced crab, green onions and macaroni are tossed in the irresistible salad dressing. Crispy wonton strips top the salad for an extra crispy crunch! It's the perfect salad for crab rangoon lovers.

What to Serve with

Ingredients

Macaroni - we love to use macaroni for our pasta salads. It's such a classic shape that works great for salads. You can also use any small shaped pasta you like or have on hand.
Imitation Crab - most restaurants use imitation crab for their crab rangoons, you can of course use real crab meat. Just drain it very well if using canned or frozen before adding it into the pasta salad.
Kewpie Mayonnaise - this Japanese mayo has a richer and sweeter flavor than regular mayonnaise. It adds a great flavor to the salad with a subtle sesame flavor. You can swap for regular mayonnaise if you cannot find Kewpie.
Cream Cheese - the creamy filling of classic fried crab rangoons is cream cheese. It gives the pasta salad dressing a rich creamy and cheesy falvor.
Thai Sweet Chili Sauce - this is a very common dipping sauce for crab rangoons. It has a sweet flavor with a bit of spice.
Green Onion - thinly sliced green onions are mixed into the pasta salad and used for garnish
Salt and Pepper
Sugar - a pinch of sugar helps bring out the natural sweetness of the crab.
Soy Sauce - a splash of soy sauce adds a rich umami flavor to the salad dressing.
Wonton Wrappers - classic fried crab rangoons are made with wonton wrappers. When fried they bubble up and are so light and crispy. To add a crispy component to the salad, wonton wrappers are cut into thin strips and fried. They are served on top of the salad. You can omit this step if you want to skip the frying part or you can use crispy chow mein noodles.

How to Make Crab Rangoon Pasta Salad

Full Printable Recipe at Bottom of page

a three step photo of a kitchen counter. first showing stirring together the salad dressing. second showing the salad in a bowl. third showing deep frying wonton strips.

Prepare the Salad

Cook macaroni in salted water according to package directions for al dente pasta. Rinse with cold water, drain and add to a large serving bowl.
Prepare the salad dressing in a small bowl. Add all of the dressing ingredients and stir until evenly combined. Tip: ensure the cream cheese is very soft at room temperature. You can place the cream cheese on a microwave safe plate and heat for 15 seconds to ensure it is very soft.
To a large bowl add the cooked macaroni, green onion, imitation crab meat, and the prepared salad dressing. Toss until evenly combined.
The salad is best served after being stored in the fridge for about 30 minutes for the flavors to develop. Or you can serve it immediately.

Prepare the Wonton Strips

Slice the wonton wrappers into thin strips (about 6 strips per wonton wrapper).
PAN FRIED COOKING METHOD
In a small frying pan or pot heat enough oil to come 1” up the sides of the pot on medium heat. Working in batches carefully fry the wonton strips for about 20-30 seconds, or until golden brown and bubbly. Carefully remove from the pan and transfer to a paper towel lined plate to drain the excess oil.
AIR FRYER COOKING METHOD
Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Working in batches, place the wonton strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Generously spray the wonton strips with cooking spray. Air Fry for about 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Watch them closely so they do not burn!
OVEN BAKED COOKING METHOD
Line a baking tray with parchment paper or greased foil. Place the wonton strips in a single layer on the tray. Generously spray the wonton strips with cooking spray or drizzle with oil and toss until evenly coated. Bake for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.

Serve

Remove the salad from the fridge. The pasta will absorb some of the mayonnaise while chilling. Optional: you can stir in an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise and Thai sweet chili sauce if needed.
Top the salad with the wonton strips. Garnish with thinly sliced green onion. Serve and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Crab Rangoon Pasta Salad

Dressing - it is important to let the pasta salad absorb the flavors of the dressing. It's best to prepare the salad at least 30 minutes - 1 hour in advance to allow the flavors to develop. You can also prepare the salad 1 day in advance.
Mix-In's - the best part about pasta salads is they are customizable! This pasta salad is made with crab and green onions. These are the two classic ingredients in the filing for crab rangoons. You can add in any other mix-in's you like, for example, thinly sliced celery, carrots, and more.
Pasta - making pasta salads are fun because if you have half a bag of pasta left over in your pantry you can use it up for a salad! Any shape of pasta works for this salad. We love classic macaroni salad but you can use any small shaped pasta you have, for example, bow-tie, fusilli, penne, and more!

FAQ

How to reheat?

This is a cold pasta salad recipe.

How to store?

Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes! To make ahead, prepare the salad but only pour in ¾ of dressing over top. Toss until evenly coated, cover, and store the pasta salad and the remaining dressing in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just before serving stir in the reserved salad dressing and enjoy!

Can I make this vegetarian?

Swap the crab meat for a plant based seafood alternative.

Is this recipe gluten free?

For a gluten free recipe use gluten free pasta and real crab or gluten free imitation crab meat. You could also swap the crab for cooked shrimp.

How to make this dairy free?

For a dairy free recipe swap the Kewpie mayonnaise for a dairy free mayonnaise.

a white bowl is filled with crab rangoon pasta salad topped with crispy wonton strips and green onions. a spoon holds a spoonful of salad closer to the camera.

More Easy Pasta Salads

Enjoy!

- Sab

Crab Rangoon Pasta Salad Recipe

What is Crab Rangoon Pasta Salad

What to Serve with

Ingredients