Description
This Cajun Crab Pasta Salad Recipe is a creamy, spicy, and refreshing crowd-pleaser that brings together tender pasta, sweet crab meat, and bold Cajun flavors. It’s quick to prepare, super versatile, and perfect for potlucks, cookouts, or light weekday meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups dry pasta (elbow or rotini)
- 2 cups imitation crab meat, chopped (or real crab if preferred)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup celery, chopped
- ¼ cup green onions, sliced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: hard-boiled eggs, shredded cheese, or chopped pickles
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, and Cajun seasoning. Season with salt and pepper.
- Chop Ingredients: Dice the crab meat, celery, red bell pepper, and green onions. Add to the bowl with the dressing.
- Combine: Add the cooled pasta to the bowl. Gently mix everything until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Garnish with extra green onions or paprika if desired.
Notes
This salad can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. For a healthier version, swap mayo with Greek yogurt. To dial up the heat, add hot sauce or extra Cajun spice. Do not freeze, as the dressing may separate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiled & Mixed
- Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg