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Creamy Cajun Crab Pasta Salad

Creamy Cajun Crab Pasta Salad: Your Easy Summer Delight

This Creamy Cajun Crab Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Base
  • 8 oz Penne Pasta gluten-free if needed
  • 1 cup Lump Crab Meat fresh or canned
For the Veggies
  • 1 cup Bell Peppers mixed colors
  • 1/2 cup Red Onion or green onions
  • 1 cup Celery omit if preferred
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for lighter option
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream add more mayonnaise if desired
  • 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning adjust to taste
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice fresh or bottled
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder adjust amount if using fresh garlic
  • 1 tbsp Paprika smoked for extra flavor
  • to taste Salt and Pepper to enhance flavors
For the Finishing Touch
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley for garnish
  • to taste Extra Paprika optional for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and cool under cold water.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Cajun seasoning, lemon juice, garlic powder, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Add the cooled pasta to the dressing, then fold in crab meat, bell peppers, red onion, and celery. Mix gently.
  4. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
  5. When ready to serve, stir the salad gently. Garnish with parsley and paprika before serving chilled.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Customize with shrimp instead of crab or add avocado for extra creaminess. This salad is best served chilled.

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