Name: Cajun Crab Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 8 oz rotini pasta (or your favorite pasta shape); 1 lb crab meat (fresh or high-quality canned); 1 cup celery, finely chopped; 1 cup red bell pepper, diced; 1 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen); 1 cup mayonnaise (use good quality); 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp paprika; Salt to taste; Freshly ground black pepper to taste

A vibrant and creamy pasta salad bursting with fresh crab meat, crunchy veggies, and a zesty Cajun-spiced dressing—perfect for picnics, potlucks, or light dinners.

Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad:

1 lb crab meat (fresh or high-quality canned)

1 cup celery, finely chopped

8 oz rotini pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)

1 cup red bell pepper, diced

1 cup red onion, finely chopped

One cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)

For the Dressing:

1 cup mayonnaise (use good quality)

1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)

2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp paprika

Salt to taste

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crab meat, celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and corn kernels.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.

Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more Cajun seasoning or lemon juice to your preference.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare, 10 minutes to cook the pasta, plus at least 1 hour of chilling time to bring out the best flavor.

Variations

I sometimes swap the rotini for bowtie or penne pasta to change up the texture. Adding a handful of chopped fresh parsley or green onions gives it a fresh herbal note. If I want extra heat, I sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños. For a lighter version, I replace half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, which keeps it creamy but adds a tangy twist.

Storage/reheating

This pasta salad is best enjoyed chilled and fresh, so I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s not really meant for reheating, as the dressing and crab are best cold or at room temperature. Before serving leftovers, I give it a gentle stir and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten it up.

FAQs

Can I use imitation crab meat for this recipe?

Yes, imitation crab can be used if fresh or canned crab isn’t available. The texture and flavor are a bit different, but it still works well with the Cajun dressing and veggies.

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Absolutely. I recommend making it a few hours or even the night before to allow the flavors to meld. Just keep it covered and refrigerated until ready to serve.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise?

If I want to lighten it up or avoid mayo, Greek yogurt or a mix of mayo and sour cream works well. It keeps the creaminess but adds a slight tang.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Not as written, since most pasta contains gluten. I usually swap in gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for gluten-free diets.

Can I add other seafood instead of crab?

Definitely. Shrimp or cooked lobster chunks can be great alternatives and pair nicely with the Cajun dressing and fresh veggies.

Conclusion

I find this Cajun Crab Pasta Salad to be a refreshing, flavorful dish that’s easy to throw together and perfect for a variety of occasions. The combination of creamy, spicy dressing with sweet crab and crunchy vegetables always makes it a crowd-pleaser. I’m sure once you try it, it will become a favorite in your recipe collection too.

Recipe:

Cajun Crab Pasta Salad

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Author: Sophia
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (including chilling time)
Yield: 4 servings

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