Description
Cajun Crab Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender pasta, sweet crab meat, and a spicy Cajun seasoning blend, all tossed in a creamy dressing. Perfect for a light lunch, picnic, or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or bowtie)
- 1 lb imitation crab meat, shredded or chopped
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra spice)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, crab meat, red bell pepper, red onion, and green onions.
- In a small bowl, mix together Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving (optional).
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to the dressing.
- Substitute crab meat with shrimp or chicken if desired.
- This salad can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge for easy prep ahead of time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Cajun pasta salad, crab salad, spicy crab salad, creamy pasta salad, summer side dish