Cajun Shrimp Pasta Salad with Creamy Dressing | CookOS

Cajun Shrimp Pasta Salad

Name: Cajun Shrimp Pasta Salad with Creamy Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided; black pepper, to taste; 1 lemon, juiced and divided; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1 lb rotini pasta, cooked and cooled; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 1 cup carrots, shredded; 2 stalks celery, diced; 1/2 cup green onions, sliced; 4 oz white cheddar cheese, cubed

This Cajun Shrimp Pasta Salad combines tender seasoned shrimp with crisp vegetables and a zesty creamy dressing made from mayo and sour cream. It's a quick, satisfying dish that works as a main course lunch or potluck side.

🌍Cajun 🏷️Cajun shrimp pasta salad 🏷️Pasta salad 🏷️Shrimp 🏷️Creamy Summer

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Total

30 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$25–$41

Recipe Source

View original recipe

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Ingredients

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided
black pepper, to taste
1 lemon, juiced and divided
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 lb rotini pasta, cooked and cooled
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 cup carrots, shredded
2 stalks celery, diced
1/2 cup green onions, sliced
4 oz white cheddar cheese, cubed

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Instructions

1
In a bowl, season the shrimp with about half of the Cajun seasoning and black pepper. Mix to coat.
2
Cook the shrimp in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes until pink and cooked through.
3
Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the cooked shrimp and set aside.
4
To make the dressing, combine mayonnaise and sour cream in a small bowl.
5
Add the remaining Cajun seasoning, juice from the other half of the lemon, black pepper, and garlic powder to the dressing.
6
Stir the dressing until it is smooth and creamy.
7
In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, diced bell pepper, shredded carrots, diced celery, sliced green onions, and cubed white cheddar cheese.
8
Add the cooked Cajun shrimp to the bowl.
9
Pour the prepared dressing over all the ingredients.
10
Gently mix everything together until the salad is evenly coated in dressing. Serve and enjoy.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Cool the pasta completely before mixing with the dressing to prevent it from becoming mushy or absorbing too much liquid too quickly.
Toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning and lemon juice immediately after cooking while still warm so flavors penetrate the meat.
Dice vegetables finely and consistently so they distribute evenly throughout the salad and cook at the same rate if adding them while warm.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and extra lemon juice just before serving, as chilled pasta salad needs more aggressive seasoning than hot dishes.

Substitutions

Rotini → Penne or Fusilli (holds dressing similarly)
Mayonnaise + sour cream → Greek yogurt-based ranch (lighter, tangier)
Green bell pepper → Red or yellow bell pepper (sweeter, milder)
Carrots → Celery or cucumber (crunchier, watery alternative)

Storage & make-ahead

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Toss with a splash of lemon juice or extra mayo if dressing dries out before serving.