Cajun Shrimp Pasta Salad
This Cajun Shrimp Pasta Salad somehow tastes like something you’d order at a beachside restaurant and immediately try to recreate at home a week later.
The shrimp gets coated in Cajun seasoning and cooked just long enough to pick up a bit of colour, while the pasta soaks up all that creamy dressing underneath.
There’s crunch from the celery and red onion, little pops of sweetness from the peppers, and enough spice running through the whole thing to keep it from feeling heavy.
It’s cold, creamy, smoky, and slightly messy once everything’s tossed together, but that’s kind of what makes it good.
The best part is the shrimp stays juicy instead of rubbery, which honestly is where a lot of pasta salads go wrong.
A squeeze of lemon at the end helps too. Wakes everything back up after it chills in the fridge for a bit.
It works for cookouts, lunches, random summer dinners, or eating straight from the bowl standing in front of the fridge because you only meant to “taste it once.” Happens every time.
Why You’ll Love It
- Creamy, smoky, and packed with Cajun flavour
- Loaded with juicy seasoned shrimp
- Perfect balance of creamy pasta and crunchy vegetables
- Easy to make ahead for parties or meal prep
- Great served cold straight from the fridge
- Perfect for BBQs, lunches, potlucks, and summer dinners
- Tastes even better after chilling
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 to 1½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced white onion
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
For the Creamy Dressing
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the bowtie pasta until just al dente according to package directions.
Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.
Let the pasta cool completely before mixing with the dressing.
2. Cook the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
Toss with olive oil and Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the shrimp for about 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink, lightly golden, and cooked through.
Do not overcook them or they’ll turn rubbery.
Transfer to a plate and let cool.
3. Make the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- Dijon mustard
- Lemon juice
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
The dressing should be creamy, smooth, and slightly tangy with little specks of seasoning throughout.
4. Assemble the Pasta Salad
Add the cooled pasta into the bowl with the dressing.
Fold in:
- Diced red bell pepper
- White onion
- Celery
- Green onions
Mix until everything is evenly coated.
Add the cooled shrimp and gently toss again.
5. Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
This gives the pasta time to soak up all the flavour and helps the dressing thicken beautifully.
6. Serve
Before serving, sprinkle extra Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and green onions over the top.
Serve cold.
Tips For The Best Cajun Shrimp Pasta Salad
- Rinse the pasta after cooking so it stays cool and doesn’t stick together
- Let the shrimp cool before adding to the salad so the dressing stays creamy
- Use full-fat mayonnaise and sour cream for the richest texture
- Dice the vegetables small so every bite gets a little crunch
- Don’t skip chilling time because the flavour gets much better after resting
- Add extra Cajun seasoning right before serving for stronger flavour and colour
Optional Add-Ins
You can easily switch this pasta salad up with:
- Crispy bacon
- Diced cucumber
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Jalapeños
- Corn
- Avocado
- Fresh parsley
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Stir before serving since the dressing thickens as it chills.
If needed, add a spoonful of mayonnaise or sour cream to freshen it back up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Just thaw and pat them dry before seasoning.
Is this pasta salad spicy?
It has a mild kick, but you can easily make it spicier with extra Cajun seasoning or cayenne.
Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely. It actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge.
What’s the best pasta to use?
Bowtie pasta works perfectly because the creamy dressing sticks to all the folds, but rotini or penne also work well.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Shrimp Pasta Salad is creamy, smoky, fresh, and full of bold flavour.
Between the tender Cajun shrimp, crunchy vegetables, and rich tangy dressing, every bite tastes cold, creamy, and perfectly seasoned.
It’s the kind of pasta salad that steals attention at cookouts and keeps people coming back for another spoonful.
