Description
This Cajun Crab Pasta Salad is a zesty and creamy twist on a classic, combining tender pasta, imitation or real crab meat, crunchy vegetables, and a bold Cajun-spiced dressing. It’s the perfect make-ahead side for potlucks, picnics, or a cool seafood lunch.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz rotini or elbow macaroni pasta
- 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
- 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
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing and toss to coat evenly.
- Fold in the crab meat, celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and parsley.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
- Stir before serving and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Use real lump crab meat for a more luxurious flavor, or stick with imitation crab for a budget-friendly option.
- Make it spicy by adding a dash of hot sauce or extra Cajun seasoning.
- This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days—great for meal prep!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg