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Cajun Pasta Salad

This Cajun Pasta Salad is just so good! Really bursting with flavor. Just a little kick, but nothing too much. Perfect for a Summer BBQ!! Yum! If you make this ahead of time (say several hours early...add a little extra water, as it will thicken as it sits in the fridge).

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
32 mins
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 295 kcal
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Cajun

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

    Cup of Yum
  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta and cook for 9 minutes, until tender.
  2. Drain in colander and rinse with cool water.
  3. Transfer to a large bowl and mix in 1 tablespoon olive oil.
  4. 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.
  5. Adjust seasonings, to taste.
  6. Add the macaroni and mix.
  7. Top with chopped parsley.

Notes

  • If you can't find Creole or Cajun mustard, any kind of whole grain, or spicy, or even just Dijon work just fine. 
  • You can make the pasta several hours before serving. Just rinse after cooking, then toss with the oil then cover with plastic wrap.  No need to refrigerate.
  • You can also make the dressing several hours before serving, after mixing together, cover with plastic wrap, and keep in the refrigerator.
  • Just before serving, mix pasta with dressing and a couple tablespoons of water.  You don't want the dressing too thick.  Best served at room temperature. 

Nutrition Information

Calories 295kcal (15%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 295

% Daily Value*

Calories 295kcal 15%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.