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

Description

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

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

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.

Notes

You can substitute rotini with bowtie or penne pasta for texture variation.

Add chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a fresh herbal note.

For extra heat, sprinkle cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.

Replace half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy version.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; best served chilled or at room temperature.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Boiling, Mixing, Chilling
Cuisine: Cajun, American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 70mg