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Creamy Cajun Crab Pasta Salad

Creamy Cajun Crab Pasta Salad That Brightens Your Summer

This Creamy Cajun Crab Pasta Salad is a vibrant, satisfying dish that combines tender crab meat with zesty Cajun seasoning and crisp veggies, perfect for summer gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 32 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Penne Pasta Cook until al dente.
For the Salad Base
  • 1 cup Lump Crab Meat Fresh is ideal, can use canned.
  • 1 cup Bell Peppers (mixed) Red, Yellow, and Green.
  • ½ cup Red Onion Finely chopped.
  • 1 cup Celery Diced.
For the Creamy Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Greek yogurt can be used for a lighter version.
  • ½ cup Sour Cream Can use more mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning Adjust to taste.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Freshly squeezed.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Or use fresh garlic.
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Consider smoked paprika for extra flavor.
  • Salt To taste.
  • Pepper To taste.
For the Garnish
  • ¼ cup Fresh Parsley Chopped.
  • 1 teaspoon Extra Paprika For garnish.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • colander
  • rubber spatula

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 10–12 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Cajun seasoning, lemon juice, garlic powder, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Fold cooled pasta into the dressing, then add crab meat, bell peppers, red onion, and celery. Mix gently to combine.
  4. Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
  5. Before serving, stir gently and garnish with parsley and extra paprika. Serve chilled.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 14gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 6mg

Notes

Ensure pasta is completely cooled before mixing. Adjust seasoning to taste. Make ahead for best flavor infusion.

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