Description
This Cajun Crab Pasta Salad is a flavorful and refreshing dish that is perfect for a summer side or light meal. The combination of tender pasta, creamy dressing, and succulent crab meat with a Cajun kick makes it a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni (or small pasta of choice)
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Additional Ingredients:
- 12 ounces imitation crab meat (or real lump crab, chopped)
- 1/2 cup celery (diced)
- 1/3 cup red bell pepper (diced)
- 1/4 cup green onions (sliced)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool completely.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, crab meat, celery, red bell pepper, and green onions to the bowl. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Season and Chill: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley if desired and serve chilled.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a dash of hot sauce or more Cajun seasoning.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter version.
- Use real crab meat for a more luxurious salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
