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Creamy Cajun Crab Pasta Salad

Creamy Cajun Crab Pasta Salad That Screams Summer Vibes

Enjoy this Creamy Cajun Crab Pasta Salad, a vibrant and satisfying dish perfect for summer gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 42 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 300 g Penne Pasta Gluten-free pasta can be used if needed.
  • 250 g Lump Crab Meat Fresh crab meat is ideal but canned works well.
  • 1 cup Bell Peppers, diced Mix red, yellow, and green for color.
  • 1/2 cup Red Onion, finely chopped Green onions can be substituted.
  • 1/2 cup Celery, diced Cucumber is a lighter alternative.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Greek yogurt is a lighter substitute.
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream Can swap for more mayonnaise or a vegan option.
  • 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning Adjust for spice level preference.
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice Lime juice can be used for variation.
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic is an alternative.
  • 1 tsp Paprika Adds flavor and color; smoked paprika is a twist.
  • Salt and Pepper Essential seasonings to taste.
  • Fresh Parsley For garnish; optional.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Colander
  • mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • serving bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally.
  2. Drain the pasta and rinse thoroughly with cold water. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Cajun seasoning, lemon juice, garlic powder, and paprika until smooth.
  4. Add the cooled pasta, lump crab meat, diced bell peppers, red onion, and celery to the dressing. Gently fold to coat.
  5. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Before serving, stir gently, transfer to a serving bowl, and garnish with parsley and extra paprika.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 15gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For best flavor, chill for at least an hour. Adjust seasoning to preference and avoid freezing the salad.

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