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Cajun Crab Pasta Salad Recipe


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4.2 from 46 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Cajun Crab Pasta Salad is a flavorful and creamy dish combining tender rotini pasta with zesty Cajun-seasoned dressing, fresh vegetables, and succulent crab meat. Perfectly chilled and infused with smoky paprika and garlic undertones, it’s an ideal appetizer or light meal for gatherings and summer days.


Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz rotini or elbow macaroni pasta

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Salad Mix-Ins

  • 1 cup imitation crab meat or real crab, chopped
  • 1/2 cup diced celery
  • 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley


Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Set aside.
  2. Prepare Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
  3. Combine Pasta and Dressing: Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing and toss gently to coat all the pasta evenly with the flavorful sauce.
  4. Add Salad Ingredients: Fold the chopped crab meat, diced celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and fresh parsley into the dressed pasta mixture carefully to incorporate without breaking the crab pieces.
  5. Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the salad to chill thoroughly.
  6. Serve: Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and adjust seasoning with additional salt or Cajun seasoning if desired. Serve chilled as a refreshing and flavorful dish.

Notes

  • For best flavor, prepare the salad a few hours ahead and refrigerate to allow the spices and dressing to develop.
  • Use real crab meat for a more authentic taste, or imitation crab for a budget-friendly option.
  • You can adjust the Cajun seasoning amount to match your preferred heat level.
  • This salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 days; stir before serving.
  • Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can enhance freshness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American