This Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Salad is a bold and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp, tender pasta, and a creamy Cajun-spiced dressing. It’s the perfect balance of heat and creaminess, making it an ideal choice for potlucks, summer gatherings, or a satisfying weeknight meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with bold Cajun flavors that add a delicious kick
- A refreshing and satisfying pasta salad perfect for warm weather
- Easy to prepare and can be made in advance for convenience
- Customizable with different proteins or vegetables
- A great combination of creamy, spicy, and savory elements
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Pasta (such as rotini, penne, or bowtie)
- Cajun seasoning
- Olive oil
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Dijon mustard
- Lemon juice
- Garlic (minced)
- Red bell pepper (diced)
- Celery (chopped)
- Red onion (finely diced)
- Green onions (chopped)
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning and olive oil until well coated.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, and additional Cajun seasoning to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta, shrimp, bell pepper, celery, red onion, and green onions to the bowl. Toss everything together until well combined.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and season with salt and pepper if needed.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Protein Swap: Use grilled chicken or crab meat instead of shrimp.
- Spice Level: Adjust the Cajun seasoning to control the heat. Add hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Dressing Alternative: Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Add-ins: Include cherry tomatoes, corn, or avocado for extra texture and flavor.
- Cheese: Sprinkle with shredded Parmesan or crumbled feta for a creamy touch.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: This dish is best served cold, but if you prefer it warm, gently reheat in a skillet over low heat. Avoid microwaving as it may alter the texture.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the pasta and dressing in advance and mix them together just before serving for optimal freshness.
FAQs
How spicy is this pasta salad?
The spice level depends on the amount of Cajun seasoning used. You can adjust it to your preference by adding more or less seasoning.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but for the best flavor, sauté them briefly with Cajun seasoning before adding them to the salad.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Short pasta like rotini, bowtie, or penne works well as they hold the dressing and ingredients nicely.
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, you can make it up to a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge and give it a quick toss before serving.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Use whole wheat pasta, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise, and add more vegetables.
What can I serve with this pasta salad?
It pairs well with crusty bread, grilled vegetables, or a simple green salad.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta to make it a gluten-free dish.
How do I keep the pasta from getting soggy?
Cook the pasta al dente and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Can I add extra protein?
Yes, adding chicken, crab, or even hard-boiled eggs can make it more filling.
Conclusion
Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Salad is a flavorful, refreshing, and easy-to-make dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a summer cookout, its bold Cajun flavors and creamy texture will be a crowd-pleaser. Try different variations to make it your own, and enjoy this delicious pasta salad!
Print
This zesty Cajun shrimp pasta salad is packed with bold flavors, juicy shrimp, and fresh vegetables, tossed in a spicy, creamy dressing. A perfect summer side or main dish!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup bell peppers (yellow and red), diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup cucumber, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Cook the shrimp: Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side. Set aside.
- Make the dressing: Mix all dressing ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine pasta, shrimp, tomatoes, bell peppers, onion, and cucumber.
- Add dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well.
- Chill & serve: Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less Cajun seasoning.
- Can be made a day ahead for even better flavor.