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Creamy Cajun Pasta Salad

Creamy Cajun pasta salad with peppers, tomatoes, olives, and fresh parsley.
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A vibrant and flavorful pasta salad featuring perfectly al dente pasta and crisp vegetables coated in a smoky, spicy Cajun dressing. This crowd-pleasing side dish is quick to assemble and ideal for picnics, potlucks, or easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound rotini, fusilli, or penne pasta
  • 1 large red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 large green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 red onion, finely diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Creole or whole-grain mustard
  • 2-3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain immediately.
  2. Transfer the hot pasta to a large bowl filled with ice water. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes until completely cool, then drain thoroughly.
  3. While the pasta cooks, dice the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, and celery. Halve the cherry tomatoes.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, mustard, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and black pepper.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, all chopped vegetables, olives (if using), and fresh parsley.
  6. Pour the creamy Cajun dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
  7. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to blend.

Notes

The ice bath is crucial for preventing soggy pasta. Taste the dressing before adding to the salad, as flavors will mellow when chilled. For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt. Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a main dish.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.homestyletable.com/creamy-cajun-pasta-salad/