Cajun Pasta Salad
Cajun Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any gathering or meal prep. With a delightful mix of textures from crunchy veggies and creamy dressing, this pasta salad will impress your friends and family. It’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or potlucks. The combination of zesty mustard, fresh herbs, and just the right amount of spice offers a taste explosion that complements grilled meats beautifully or stands alone as a satisfying light meal. Best of all, it’s easily customizable to fit various dietary preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious dish!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 8 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup shallots (finely minced)
- 1 cup red bell pepper (cored, seeded, and finely chopped)
- 1 cup celery (finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp good-quality olive oil (divided)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tsp Kosher salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tbsp whole grain Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water for about 9 minutes until tender but firm. Drain and rinse under cool water.
- In a large bowl, mix the rinsed pasta with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together remaining olive oil, mustard, mayonnaise, vinegar, lemon juice, hot sauce, and seasonings.
- Combine dressing with pasta and veggies until well coated.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 190g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Find it online: https://cookingwhisper.com/cajun-pasta-salad/