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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Salad

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A flavorful, creamy, and tangy Cajun chicken pasta salad perfect for quick meal prep. This dish combines smoky Cajun spices with a creamy Greek yogurt and mayo dressing, making cold pasta exciting and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz rotini or penne pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (red or yellow)
  • 1/4 cup sliced green onions
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional garnishes: chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, extra Cajun seasoning sprinkle, grated Parmesan

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes for al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and stop the cooking process. Set aside in a large bowl.
  2. If not using pre-cooked chicken, season 2 chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and a half teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Pan-sear over medium heat with a splash of olive oil for about 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through. Let rest, then dice or shred.
  3. Halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, dice 1 cup celery, and 1/2 cup bell peppers. Slice 1/4 cup green onions. Toss these into the bowl with the pasta.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta, chicken, and veggies. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated. The salad should look creamy but not soupy.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Before serving, toss again and garnish with chopped parsley or extra Cajun seasoning if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; al dente is key. Rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking and prevent clumping. Season chicken well with Cajun seasoning for depth. Lemon juice brightens the dressing and balances richness. Salad tastes better after resting a few hours or overnight. If salad thickens in fridge, stir in a splash of water or lemon juice before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, meal prep pasta salad, easy pasta salad, Cajun seasoning, chicken pasta salad

Find it online: https://ariaappetite.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-meal-prep-idea/