Description
Cajun Crab Pasta Salad is a flavorful and vibrant dish with a spicy kick from Creole seasoning, paired with tender crab meat, colorful veggies, and creamy dressing. Perfect for a refreshing, satisfying meal!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ boxes penne pasta
- 1½ cups mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons Creole/Cajun or whole grain Dijon mustard
- 1½ tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ cup shallots, finely minced
- 1 cup red bell pepper, minced
- 1 cup green bell pepper, minced
- 1 cup yellow and orange bell peppers, minced
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1½ cups crab claw meat
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, Creole seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir until well combined.
- Add the minced shallots, bell peppers, celery, and crab meat to the bowl.
- Fold in the cooled penne pasta and mix everything until evenly coated.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Serve cold and enjoy the spicy, flavorful taste of this Cajun crab pasta salad!
Notes
- This pasta salad can be made a day ahead for better flavor as the spices meld.
- Feel free to substitute crab claw meat with lump crab meat for a different texture.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of Creole seasoning or omit the mustard.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg