Name: Seafood Pasta Salad: A Zesty Cajun Twist for Your Next Gathering
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 1/2 boxes Penne Pasta: Provides hearty texture and holds the dressing perfectly.; Crab Claw Meat: Adds delicate seafood sweetness and protein.; 1 1/2 cups Mayonnaise: Creamy base for the dressing.; 3 tbsp Creole or Cajun Mustard (or Whole Grain Dijon): Adds tang and depth.; 1/4 tsp Smoked Paprika: Subtle smoky note enhancing seafood flavor.; 1/2 tsp Garlic & Onion Powder: Builds savory undertones.; 2 tsp Creole Seasoning: Signature Cajun spice with balanced heat.; 1 1/2 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar: Adds brightness and tang.; 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice: Enhances seafood flavor and freshness.; 1/2 cup Shallots, finely minced: Mild onion flavor for freshness.; 1 cup Red Bell Pepper, minced: Sweet flavor and crunch.; 1 cup Green Bell Pepper, minced: Adds color and crunch.; 1 cup Yellow & Orange Bell Pepper, minced: Sweetness and vibrant color.; 1 cup Celery, finely chopped: Adds crispness and freshness.; Fresh Parsley: Garnish for color and flavor.

Description

This Seafood Pasta Salad is a zesty, Cajun-inspired recipe packed with creamy dressing, tender crab meat, and crisp veggies. Perfect for summer gatherings, cookouts, or light lunches, this salad delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 boxes Penne Pasta: Provides hearty texture and holds the dressing perfectly.
Crab Claw Meat: Adds delicate seafood sweetness and protein.
1 1/2 cups Mayonnaise: Creamy base for the dressing.
3 tbsp Creole or Cajun Mustard (or Whole Grain Dijon): Adds tang and depth.
1/4 tsp Smoked Paprika: Subtle smoky note enhancing seafood flavor.
1/2 tsp Garlic & Onion Powder: Builds savory undertones.
2 tsp Creole Seasoning: Signature Cajun spice with balanced heat.
1 1/2 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar: Adds brightness and tang.
1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice: Enhances seafood flavor and freshness.
1/2 cup Shallots, finely minced: Mild onion flavor for freshness.
1 cup Red Bell Pepper, minced: Sweet flavor and crunch.
1 cup Green Bell Pepper, minced: Adds color and crunch.
1 cup Yellow & Orange Bell Pepper, minced: Sweetness and vibrant color.
1 cup Celery, finely chopped: Adds crispness and freshness.
Fresh Parsley: Garnish for color and flavor.

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside to cool completely.
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, Creole seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika until smooth and creamy.
Stir in minced shallots, bell peppers, celery, and crab meat. Gently fold to combine.
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with dressing.
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley. Serve chilled and enjoy.

Notes

Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes for best flavor.
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for enhanced seafood flavor.
Swap crab for shrimp, lobster, or imitation crab as desired.
For extra spice, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the dressing.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 480
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 16g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: Seafood Pasta Salad, Cajun Pasta Salad, Crab Pasta Salad, Cold Pasta Salad, Summer Salad