No Mayo Cajun Shrimp and Crab Salad – Bold, Fresh, and Zesty

No Mayo Cajun Shrimp and Crab Salad – Bold, Fresh, and Zesty

If you’re a fan of creamy seafood salads but also crave a bit of spice, this No Mayo Cajun Shrimp and Crab Salad is the perfect match. Honestly, I can't decide which seafood salad is my favorite right now because I’m all about seafood, but this one is definitely climbing to the top spot. I love zesty, bold, and spicy flavors, and this recipe brings all of that—and more! Oh, and did I mention it’s easy and quick to make? You’ll have a delicious, refreshing seafood salad in no time!

And the best part? No mayo! If you're looking for a lighter option or just prefer to skip the heavy creaminess of traditional seafood salads, this recipe is the perfect solution. The tangy vinaigrette keeps things fresh and vibrant without sacrificing any flavor. It’s a great alternative for those who want to enjoy all the deliciousness without the extra richness.

Customizing Your Cajun Shrimp and Crab Salad

Just like with traditional creamy seafood salads, you’ve got options when it comes to the protein in this recipe. Sometimes, you just want to use what you have on hand, and that's totally fine. You can go with all shrimp, imitation crab, or real crabmeat—each one brings something unique to the table. Oh, and if you're feeling fancy, lobster makes a fantastic addition too. Yummy!

But here's the twist—unlike the creamy version, we're prepping the shrimp a bit differently here. Instead of tossing them in mayo, we’re pan-searing them with a simple seasoning for just a few minutes until they’re perfectly cooked. This is a great option if you have leftover shrimp from a crab boil. You know, those restaurants popping up everywhere with all those amazing crab boils? Instead of reheating them, turn that leftover shrimp into a brand new meal!

Quick Cajun Shrimp Prep:

1. Toss raw shrimp with 1 tsp olive oil + ½ tsp Cajun seasoning.

2. Pan-sear over medium-high heat for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and lightly golden.

3. Cool slightly, then chop for the salad.

🧊 Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

You can! But they’ll be milder and a bit less flavorful. If you do:

• Pat dry well

• Toss in a tiny bit of Cajun seasoning + lemon juice before adding to the salad

Bringing the Heat with Cajun Seasoning

Because we’ve got Cajun in the title, you know we’ve got to bring the heat! The key to that bold, spicy flavor is, of course, Cajun seasoning. There are so many brands out there, so I suggest using whichever one you love the most. Just make sure it’s fresh—don’t use that dusty bottle hiding in the back of your pantry! Toss it out if it’s been sitting there for ages, because we want that spiciness to kick you in the patooty (in the best way possible, of course)! A fresh Cajun seasoning mix will bring that perfect balance of heat and flavor, making this salad a real standout.

And hey, if you want it extra spicy, by all means, add more Cajun seasoning! Personally, I like to add a little extra on the finished dish—just a dash on my salad or crackers for that extra punch. It’s all about making it just right for your taste buds!

A Bright & Zesty Cajun Shrimp & Crab Salad (No Mayo Needed!)

This Cajun Shrimp & Crab Salad skips the mayo but doesn’t skip on flavor. With a punchy vinaigrette, fresh herbs, and a little heat, it’s the kind of seafood salad that’s light, refreshing, and anything but boring. Whether you’re loading it onto rolls, crackers, or keeping it low-carb in lettuce wraps, it’s sure to bring something special to the table.

If you’re in the mood for something creamier, I’ve got you covered. Try the creamy seafood salad version right here—it’s rich, tangy, and perfect for folks who love that classic deli-style texture.

Thanks for hanging out with me today! Scroll down for a few more favorite recipes from the site if you’re in the mood to keep cooking. What are you waiting for? Get ta cookin’!