Cajun Macaroni Salad

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Saramin (@678sarin)

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

Cajun Macaroni Salad recipe
Prep Time
15min
Cook Time
10min
Total Time
25min

Ingredients

6 Servings
(1 serving = 1 cup)

Salad

  • Elbow Macaroni
    Elbow Macaroni
    1lb
  • Olive Oil
    Olive Oil
    1tbsp
  • ribs Celery, diced
    ribs Celery, diced
    4
  • White Onion, diced
    White Onion, diced
    1/2piece
  • Farmhouse Eggs® Large Brown Eggs, hard-boiled
    Farmhouse Eggs® Large Brown Eggs, hard-boiled
    4piece
  • Fresh Parsley, to taste
    Fresh Parsley, to taste

Dressing

  • Mayonnaise
    Mayonnaise
    1 1/2cups
  • Spicy Brown Mustard
    Spicy Brown Mustard
    3tbsp
  • Red Wine Vinegar
    Red Wine Vinegar
    3tbsp
  • Salt
    Salt
    1tsp
  • Ground Black Pepper
    Ground Black Pepper
    1tsp
  • Smoked Paprika
    Smoked Paprika
    2tsp
  • Cajun Seasoning
    Cajun Seasoning
    2tbsp

How to make Cajun Macaroni Salad

Cooking the Pasta

  1. Step 1

    Boil elbow macaroni in 4 quarts of water for 10 minutes.

  2. Step 2

    Strain and coat noodles with olive oil.

Preparing the Dressing

  1. Step 1

    In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, spicy brown mustard, red wine vinegar, salt, ground black pepper, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika.

  2. Step 2

    Mix well.

Assembling the Salad

  1. Step 1

    Pour the dressing over the macaroni noodles.

  2. Step 2

    Add diced celery and diced white onion.

  3. Step 3

    Mix well.

  4. Step 4

    Top with hard-boiled eggs, smoked paprika, and fresh parsley.

Chilling

  1. Step 1

    Refrigerate for 30 minutes before 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

  1. For a spicier kick, add more Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce.

  2. Ensure the macaroni is fully cooled before mixing with the dressing to prevent it from absorbing too much moisture.

FAQS

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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...

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