Best 5 Cajun Macaroni Salad Recipes

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When it comes to comforting and flavorful side dishes, Cajun macaroni salad stands out as a true delight. Originating from the vibrant culinary traditions of Louisiana, this salad is a perfect blend of spicy, tangy, and creamy flavors that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. With its colorful combination of macaroni, vegetables, and a signature Cajun-spiced dressing, this salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with bold and distinctive flavors. Whether you're looking for a refreshing summer side dish or a hearty addition to your next gathering, Cajun macaroni salad is a recipe that's sure to impress and satisfy. So, let's explore the world of Cajun macaroni salad and uncover the secrets behind its unique and delicious taste.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

CAJUN MACARONI SALAD



Cajun Macaroni Salad image

A spicy Cajun twist on classic macaroni salad, this Creole pasta salad is perfect for summer BBQ's and potlucks.

Provided by Kelly Wildenhaus

Categories     Side Dish

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 pound elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ sweet onion, minced (like Vidalia)
4 ribs celery, small dice
2 hard boiled eggs, small dice
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (preferably no salt blend)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon freshly, cracked black pepper
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, OPTIONAL (if you want a little more heat!)
1½ cups good quality mayonnaise (I like Duke's Mayo for this, it's a Southern thing!)
3 tablespoons Creole mustard (can use any whole grain mustard, or yellow mustard)
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
½ lemon, juiced
1 teaspoon hot sauce (preferably Louisiana-style like Crystal or Tabasco)
Kosher salt and freshly, cracked black pepper
Chopped fresh parsley, sliced hard boiled egg, for garnish. (Totally optional but it looks pretty!)

Steps:

  • Bring a pot of water to boil and season generously with salt. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, repeat and transfer to large bowl. Toss with olive oil and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, combine remaining ingredients in another bowl. Use a whisk to combine all remaining ingredients except celery, onion and egg. Add 2 teaspoons salt and 2 tablespoons of water to start, up to ¼ cup water. When combined, stir in celery, onion and egg. The sauce should be on the thinner side, not too thick.
  • Taste sauce for seasoning and adjust salt, pepper and hot sauce to taste. Add to cooked elbows and toss to combine. Serve immediately with fresh parsley and/or hard boiled egg slices, or refrigerate until serving, adding a little water to loosen up and make shiny again if needed.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 440 kcal, Carbohydrate 37 g, Protein 8 g, Fat 29 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, TransFat 1 g, Cholesterol 51 mg, Sodium 304 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 3 g, UnsaturatedFat 23 g, ServingSize 1 serving

CAJUN MACARONI



Cajun Macaroni image

"When I follow my favorite meat loaf recipe, I end up with an extra half pound of ground beef," relates June Ellis. "So I came up with this easy dish to use it up." The Erie, Illinois cook brings this fast family-pleaser to the dinner table at a savvy 76 cents a plate.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 35m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

1/2 pound ground beef
1/3 cup chopped onion
1/3 cup chopped green pepper
1/3 cup chopped celery
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1-1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 package (7-1/4 ounces) macaroni and cheese dinner mix
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon butter

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, cook the beef, onion, green pepper and celery over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add tomatoes and Cajun seasoning. Cook, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally., Meanwhile, prepare macaroni and cheese according to package directions, using 2 tablespoons milk and 1 tablespoon butter. Stir in beef mixture; cook for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts :

CAJUN MACARONI SALAD



Cajun Macaroni Salad image

This is our family's favorite ever. It started originally with a Justin Wilson recipe that we've modified over the years. It has just the right amount of zing - not your mama's macaroni salad!

Provided by hotdishmama

Categories     Cajun

Time 30m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 cups dry elbow macaroni
1/2 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup sliced green olives
1/4 cup diced celery
1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 lb cooked peeled shrimp (optional)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/8 cup olive oil
1/2 tablespoon Tabasco sauce
1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions and rinse with cold water, drain well. While pasta is cooking, mix dressing. Toss together and serve. Even better the next day!

MACARONI SALAD



Macaroni Salad image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 45m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

3/4 cup buttermilk
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Black pepper to taste
3 cups cooked elbow macaroni
1 pound lean, cooked ham, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 ribs celery, chopped
1/2 cup peas
1/2 cup chopped sweet pickles
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
2 scallions, chopped
Cherry tomatoes

Steps:

  • To make the dressing, whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl; cover, and refrigerate until ready to use.
  • For the salad, toss macaroni in a large bowl with ham, celery, peas, pickles, red pepper and scallions; add dressing and toss again. Garnish with cherry tomatoes.

CAJUN PASTA SALAD



Cajun Pasta Salad image

Make and share this Cajun Pasta Salad recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Bev I Am

Categories     Pork

Time 15m

Yield 6-12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 lb elbow macaroni
1 lb smoked sausage, sliced and sauteed
1/2 cup red pepper
2 bell peppers, diced
1 tablespoon garlic, pureed
2 stalks celery, diced
1/2 white onion, diced
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon creole mustard
1/4 cup white vinegar
3/4 cup salad oil
1/4 cup parsley
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon white pepper
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon thyme

Steps:

  • Cook the pasta in gently boiling water until al dente.
  • Remove from heat, drain, rinse and cool.
  • Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, using only 2 TBS of Toulous Seasoning.
  • The dish is best served at room temperature; however, chill thoroughly if preparing ahead of time and allow to stand one hour before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 855.9, Fat 52.8, SaturatedFat 12.7, Cholesterol 51.6, Sodium 2349.6, Carbohydrate 66.8, Fiber 5.2, Sugar 4.2, Protein 28.3

Tips:

  • Use high-quality macaroni pasta for the best texture and flavor.
  • Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, but drain it slightly al dente so it doesn't get mushy in the salad.
  • While the macaroni is cooking, prepare the vegetables and dressing.
  • Use a variety of vegetables in your salad, such as celery, onion, bell pepper, and carrots.
  • For a creamy dressing, use mayonnaise, sour cream, or Greek yogurt.
  • Add some Cajun seasoning to the dressing for a bit of a kick.
  • Garnish the salad with chopped parsley or chives before serving.

Conclusion:

Cajun macaroni salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as a side dish or a main course. It's perfect for potlucks, picnics, and barbecues. With its creamy dressing, flavorful vegetables, and Cajun seasoning, Cajun macaroni salad is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.

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