Cajun Pasta Salad. Now, that’s something special.
Nothing spells summer much more than a good outdoor BBQ. And the best BBQ’s have amazing side dishes.
This Cajun Pasta Salad recipe is one of our all-time favorites.
CAJUN PASTA SALAD IS EASY TO MAKE AT HOME
You can easily prepare the pasta ahead of time, as well as the dressing.
Right before serving, mix the dressing with the cooled cooked pasta (and a little more water, if needed), and you’re good to go!
Watch us show you how easy it is to make Cajun Pasta Salad!
CAJUN PASTA SALAD IS A NICE CHANGE OF PACE
There is a slight kick to this pasta salad, but it’s a good kick!.
The flavors compliment each other so well.
Of course, if you don’t like bell peppers or shallots, just leave them out! But we think they add a nice, but subtle, dimension to the salad.
The seasonings in the dressing really provide a delicious depth to the salad.
If you can’t find cajun seasoning, just get a large bowl, and mix together 1 tablespoon of the following:
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika
- Kosher salt
And then 1 teaspoon of the following:
- Black pepper
- Cayenne pepper
- Ground thyme
- Onion powder
If you are interested in other amazing BBQ side dishes, try one of these favorites:
In the meantime, be sure to make this amazing Cajun Pasta Salad!
MIX THE PASTA WITH THE DRESSING SOON BEFORE SERVING
Once you mix the pasta with the dressing, if you are not serving the pasta salad immediately, cover with plastic wrap and keep in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
We recommend not putting the pasta salad together until close to serving time.
If you have stored in the fridge, mix again with a couple tablespoons of water to help thin the dressing a bit.
Cajun Pasta Salad
Video
Ingredients
- Kosher salt
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoon good-quality olive oil divided
- ½ cup shallots finely minced
- 1 cup red bell pepper cored, seeded, and finely chopped
- 1 cup celery finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoon Creole/Cajun, or whole grain Dijon mustard see Note
- 1 ½ cups mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce ie, Tobasco, Crystals
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta and cook for 9 minutes, until tender.
- Drain in colander and rinse with cool water.
- Transfer to a large bowl and mix in 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- In a separate medium bowl, combine the remaining ingredients, including the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons water, to thin slightly.
- Adjust seasonings, to taste.
- Add the macaroni and mix.
- Top with chopped parsley.
NeeNee says
I’m known for my pasta salads I make for our teams of food pantry volunteers every week for the last year and a half since the shut down. ( We still serve our clients to their cars.) I’ve never made anything Cajun, but this sounds like another winner! What do you think about adding cubed ham and shredded sharp cheese?
Please be honest. I always credit my Pinterest inspirations.
Kris Longwell says
Hi there!!! We are so sorry for the delayed response!!! Cubed ham and shredded cheddar would be AMAZING! Next time we make this salad, we’re adding that!! Thanks for the inspiration! Let us know how it turns out! All the best, Kris & Wesley
Ryan Jumper says
You guys… Another hit with the family. I personally liked it more the next day, such a different taste we loved it!! Keep cooking you are making me look good
Cyndi says
Delicious!! Great flavors!! I was thinking of adding some crab next time…what do you think?? Thanks!
Kris Longwell says
Hi Cyndi!! Thank you so much! And heck YES! Crab would be an amazing addition to this salad. Can we come over? LOL!!! Thanks again for the great review! That means the world to us!! All the best, Kris & Wesley
Cyndi says
Thanks guys! I will let you know how it turns out with the crab! And of course, you are always welcome at our home!!
Melissa says
Super easy and tasty! Made this for meal prep and added rotisserie pulled chicken to make it more substantial for lunch/dinner. Will definitely make again and taking the suggestion to add crab. Yummalicious!
Kris Longwell says
That is so awesome, Melissa!! Sounds absolutely delicious!! Thanks for letting us know!! xoxo Kris & Wesley
Patti Leonard says
Wayyy too much salt in the dressing. Taking to a party today. How can I fix this? Ugh
Patti Leonard says
would have been nice if you bothered to update the recipe!! Ruined due to following your instructions of 2 ,TB SALT!!
Kris Longwell says
Hi Patti, it’s actually 2 tsp of salt, not 2 tbsp. So sorry the pasta salad wasn’t to your liking.
Melissa says
This recipe is amazing!!!! It’s got the perfect amount of kick to it. I meal prepped this and had it for the week. Wasn’t too thick for me at all. The second time I made it I doubled it. Then it seemed a little thick. Not too bad though. Still tasted amazing. My new favorite pasta salad!
Kris Longwell says
Woo hoo!! That’s awesome to hear, Melissa! Love that you did the meal prep and then enjoyed it all week! We find that sometimes if it’s a bit thick, we just thin the dressing with a little chicken stock, or even water. Anyway, so glad you enjoyed it so much and thank you so so much for letting us know!! All the best, Kris & Wesley
Holly says
This is my new favorite thing! I just made it a second time, and doubled it this time so I can share with family and friends. The complexity of the flavors and textures is incomparable! ❤️
Kris Longwell says
That is so awesome to hear, Holly!! So glad you love this pasta salad, it’s definitely one of our all-time favorites! Thanks for letting us know and for the great review!! We appreciate that so very much! All the best, Kris & Wesley
Ashley says
Loved this recipe. I added a bag of grilled chicken as well. My wife works for usps and has no way to take hot lunches soooooooo she is way tired of sandwiches. So I made this for her and packed her with club crackers. Lasted her a week and she loved it!
Kris Longwell says
Hi Ashley!! That is so awesome to hear!! Grilled chicken added to the salad is the PERFECT lunch on the go! Wesley’s sister works for the USPS, so we know what you mean! Thanks so much for letting us know, and please give our love to your wife!
Sierra says
I’m definitely going to make this for a party. I wonder if it will taste bad if I mix the dressing and pasta a few hours before the party and leave it in the fridge till then.
Amanda says
I found Creole Mustard Seasoning, would that work or will in need to be a “wet” mustard?
Kris Longwell says
Hi Amanda, the wet mustard does help the consistency of the dressing. How about adding some of the seasoning in yellow, or Dijon mustard? Then you should be set!! Let us know how it turns out!! All the best, Kris & Wesley
Carol says
I love you two! I am making this for my picnic tomorrow. I am sure it will be a hit. Everything is ready except the pasta. 7.15 in Baldwinsville, NY but I may need to cook the pasta before tomorrow for a helping or two. I’ll keep you posted
Gretchen says
I love you guys. I’ve watched all your videos. You guys explain every thing in such detail. Really fun to watch. Don’t ever stop. Love your recipes.
krislongwell says
Hi Gretchen!! Thank you so so much!! That means the absolute world to us! Stay in touch and stay tuned…lots more on the way! All the best!! Kris & Wesley
Chris Altieri says
Kris, Made this again for Memorial Day. So good! Just had to let you know again. Chris
krislongwell says
Awesome, Chris!! So glad it worked well for you again and THANK YOU SO MUCH for letting us know!!! You are the BEST! Kris & Wesley
Chris says
I made this pasta salad today. Loved it! It’s a nice change of pace from most pasta salads with the kick of spice in this one. Will definitely make it again. Looking forward to trying more of your recipes. So many of them look great!!
krislongwell says
Thanks, Chris!! We really love this pasta salad, too. We really like the little ‘kick’ and, as you say, a nice change from your everyday pasta salad. And thank you so much for letting us know! Please do stay in touch. All the best, Kris & Wesley
Helen Lutkie says
Kris, i made your cajun pasta salad over labor day week-end . family & friends loved it. sooooooooo good. thanks for sharing a great recipe.
krislongwell says
That is so great to hear, Helen!! That’s funny, we made it, too! It’s is definitely one of our favorite pasta salads. Thank you so much for letting us know!! xoxoxo Kris & Wesley
kat says
Did you really mean 2 T salt? I put 1 in and it seems too salty. I’m wondering if maybe it was supposed to be 2 t? Otherwise good but way too salty for me if it’s the way it’s supposed to be.
krislongwell says
Hi Kat! Thanks for the note! I went and looked at my notes when I worked up this recipe. I played around with the salt levels. I tend to like pasta salad and potato salt a little on the salty side, but you’re right…2 T is a little off. I’d recommend 2 to 3 teaspoons. 1 lb of pasta feeds a lot of folks, so I felt it needed more than a pinch. I’ll update the recipe to adjust the salt to one’s own tastes. Thanks so much! Kris
Nicole says
After a recent trip to The Fresh Market that resulted in bringing home several pasta salads, I was suddenly inspired to make some of my own- so, I searched “pasta salad” on Pinterest and came across this recipe. I just made it and it’s SO GOOD. I love how it’s not “just” another pasta salad and has some interesting flavors to it. Definitely holding onto this recipe; thanks for sharing it!
The Loon says
Hi Nicole,
This has become one of my favorites. I know I say this all the time but it’s true! Happy Holidays!