A flavorful Cajun macaroni salad with a creamy dressing and a hint of spice, perfect for a refreshing side dish.

Ingredients
Salad
- Elbow Macaroni1lb
- Olive Oil1tbsp
- ribs Celery, diced4
- White Onion, diced1/2piece
- Farmhouse Eggs® Large Brown Eggs, hard-boiled4piece
- Fresh Parsley, to taste
Dressing
- Mayonnaise1 1/2cups
- Spicy Brown Mustard3tbsp
- Red Wine Vinegar3tbsp
- Salt1tsp
- Ground Black Pepper1tsp
- Smoked Paprika2tsp
- Cajun Seasoning2tbsp
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
473.3kcal (23.67%)
Protein
13.5g (27%)
Carbs
49.0g (17.82%)
Sugars
1.0g (2%)
Healthy Fat
21.7g
Unhealthy Fat
3.7g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
How to make Cajun Macaroni Salad
Cooking the Pasta
- Step 1
Boil elbow macaroni in 4 quarts of water for 10 minutes.
- Step 2
Strain and coat noodles with olive oil.
Preparing the Dressing
- Step 1
In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, spicy brown mustard, red wine vinegar, salt, ground black pepper, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika.
- Step 2
Mix well.
Assembling the Salad
- Step 1
Pour the dressing over the macaroni noodles.
- Step 2
Add diced celery and diced white onion.
- Step 3
Mix well.
- Step 4
Top with hard-boiled eggs, smoked paprika, and fresh parsley.
Chilling
- Step 1
Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
473.3kcal (23.67%)
Protein
13.5g (27%)
Carbs
49.0g (17.82%)
Sugars
1.0g (2%)
Healthy Fat
21.7g
Unhealthy Fat
3.7g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Tips & Tricks
For a spicier kick, add more Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce.
Ensure the macaroni is fully cooled before mixing with the dressing to prevent it from absorbing too much moisture.
FAQS
How do I make Cajun macaroni salad creamy and flavorful?
To achieve a creamy and flavorful Cajun macaroni salad, combine mayonnaise, spicy brown mustard, red wine vinegar, salt, ground black pepper, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika in a bowl. Mix these ingredients well before pouring the dressing over the cooked elbow macaroni. This combination not only adds creaminess but also infuses the salad with a delicious Cajun flavor.
Can I make Cajun macaroni salad ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can make Cajun macaroni salad ahead of time! After preparing the salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 3 days. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving, as the ingredients may settle.
What are some good substitutions for ingredients in Cajun macaroni salad?
If you're looking to make substitutions in your Cajun macaroni salad, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter option. For the spicy brown mustard, yellow mustard works well too. If you don't have Cajun seasoning, you can create your own blend using paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Is Cajun macaroni salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, Cajun macaroni salad is suitable for vegetarians as it primarily consists of pasta, vegetables, and a creamy dressing. However, if you want to make it vegan, you can substitute the mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative and omit the hard-boiled eggs.
What dishes pair well with Cajun macaroni salad for a complete meal?
Cajun macaroni salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like Cajun chicken or shrimp, as well as barbecue dishes. It also complements spicy dishes like jambalaya or gumbo, making it a great side for a Cajun-themed meal.
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Saramin
(@678sarin)
My name is Saramin is a culinary enthusiast with a flair for transforming everyday ingredients into delightful, flavour-packed dishes. Passionate about home cooking, Sarin specializes in creating easy-to-follow recipes inspired by global cuisines. With a focus on fresh, wholesome ingredients, they make cooking accessible and enjoyable for cooks at any level. My name is Saramin is a culinary enthusiast with a flair for transforming everyday ingredients into delightful, flavour-packed dishes. Passionate about home cooking, Sarin specializes...
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