Cajun Seafood Pasta Salad + A Cajun Waltz

Here's a Cajun fave that is out of this world and is just perfect on a warm summer evening. The succulent seafood and spicy jalapeno dressing make this salad rock with flavor. Guaranteed to please your family and guests, cher, and have them coming back for more. Serve with a fresh garden salad, French bread, and a nice glass of wine, for a great summer meal. Bon Appetit!

Cajun Seafood Pasta Salad

1 lb. medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 lb. peeled crawfish tails, if available
1/2 lb. lump crab meat
5 strips bacon, cooked, drained, and crumbled
2 tbs.'s olive oil plus more for drizzling
1 onion, diced
1 bell pepper, (any color) chopped
2 tsp.'s minced garlic
1 tsp. Cajun seasoning
1 tsp. Cajun seasoning
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 pkg. small pasta shells 
Jalapeno Ranch Dressing (recipe below)

Cook pasta according to package directions, drain, rinse,  and place in large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, and add 1 tsp. Cajun seasoning. Mix well and set aside. In large skillet, saute seafood, garlic, Cajun seasoning, and parsley, for about 10 minutes to 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat, cover, and allow to cool for 15 minutes. Meanwhile make the dressing. Add seafood mixture to pasta bowl and mix well.

Jalapeno Ranch Dressing

1 1/4 cups, no-fat buttermilk 

3/4 cup light mayo

1 tsp. Creole mustard

2 tsp.'s white vinegar

2 tbs.'s lemon juice

1 tsp. crushed garlic

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped

1 tbs. fresh parsley, minced

1 tsp. Cajun seasoning

Salt to taste

Whisk ingredients together in the order given, in a mixing bowl. Pour over seafood pasta mixture, top with bacon bits, mix well, and chill until ready to serve. Fab! Enjoy!

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A Cajun Waltz

Here's a little clip that I took of the crowd enjoying a Cajun waltz at last year's Festival Acadiens. This wonderful festival will take place on October 12, 13, and 14, 2012,  for those of you who may want to make your reservations, now. Three days of non stop Cajun and Creole music, food, and fun. For a complete schedule, click here. Let the good times roll, cher!



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