When the weather warms up or you need a standout dish for your next gathering, nothing beats a refreshing yet bold pasta salad. This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Salad is the perfect marriage of succulent seafood, tender rotini, and a zesty, soul-warming spice blend. It’s not just another side dish; it’s a flavor-packed centerpiece that balances the coolness of a creamy dressing with the signature kick of Louisiana-style seasoning.

Whether you are hosting a summer BBQ, looking for a meal-prep lunch, or need a potluck favorite that will have everyone asking for the recipe, this dish delivers. It is vibrant, hearty, and offers a delightful crunch in every bite.

The Ingredients: Roles and Responsibilities

To achieve a high-end culinary result, every ingredient must serve a specific purpose in the flavor profile:

• Rotini Pasta: The spiral shape is essential as it traps the creamy sauce in its ridges, ensuring every bite is seasoned to perfection.
• Succulent Shrimp: Use medium-sized, peeled, and deveined shrimp. They provide lean protein and a delicate sweetness that offsets the spice.
• Cajun Seasoning: A blend of paprika, garlic, and cayenne. This is the soul of the dish, providing that iconic smoky heat.
• Mayonnaise: This acts as the creamy base for the dressing, providing richness and a smooth mouthfeel.
• Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: This lightens the dressing and introduces a necessary tanginess to cut through the richness.
• Red Bell Pepper: Provides a pop of color and a mild, sweet crunch.
• Celery: Finely diced celery adds an earthy freshness and a structural snap.
• Green Onions: Used for a sharp, peppery finish and vibrant garnish.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice brightens the entire dish, waking up the seafood flavors.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds depth and acidity while acting as a natural emulsifier.

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your rotini pasta until al dente. It is crucial not to overcook the pasta, as it will soften further once it absorbs the dressing. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process immediately.

2. Prepare the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry and toss them with a tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. In a skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the shrimp in olive oil for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Set aside to cool completely.

3. Whisk the Creamy Cajun Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and the remaining Cajun spice. Whisk until the dressing is silky and uniform. Taste and adjust the spice levels to your preference.

4. Assemble the Salad

Add the cooled pasta and shrimp to the dressing bowl. Fold in the diced red peppers, celery, and sliced green onions. Toss gently with a large spatula until every ingredient is thoroughly coated in the velvety sauce.

5. Chill and Set

For the best results, cover and refrigerate for at least one hour. This allows the flavors to meld together and the pasta to fully absorb the spices.

Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Salad

The “Cold” Rule: Never add creamy dressing to hot pasta. It will melt the fats in the mayo, resulting in an oily texture. Always wait until the pasta is room temperature or cold.

• Season the Water: Ensure your pasta water is “salty like the sea” to flavor the noodles from the inside out.
• Fresh is Best: Use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled for a superior citrus brightness.

Serving Suggestions

This Cajun Shrimp Pasta Salad is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with grilled corn on the cob, a crisp green salad, or buttery garlic breadsticks.