Pin This zesty Cajun chicken pasta salad delivers the bold taste of New Orleans right to your table with minimal fuss. Tender, spice-coated chicken joins crisp, colorful veggies and pasta, all wrapped up in a creamy, tangy dressing. It is an absolute winner for picnics, easy lunches, or weeknight dinners.
I first packed this for a lake picnic and watched the bowl scrape clean before half the guests arrived. It is always the first request for potlucks or outdoor lunches in my family.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Chicken serves as the protein centerpiece Ensure you choose firm pale pink breasts free of excess fat for tenderness
- Cajun seasoning: Gives the dish its signature warmth Opt for a blend with smoked paprika garlic and a touch of cayenne for smoky complexity
- Olive oil: Enriches flavor and keeps the chicken juicy Choose extra virgin for the best aroma
- Penne or rotini pasta: Pasta brings heartiness and texture Select a sturdy shape like penne or rotini so it holds up under dressing
- Red bell pepper and yellow bell pepper: Add color crunch and sweetness Look for peppers with taut glossy skin for best flavor
- Small red onion: Lends gentle bite and color Always pick onions that are heavy with papery skins intact
- Cherry tomatoes: Sweet and juicy Choose tomatoes that are bright firm and blemish-free
- Sweetcorn: Gives a pop of sweetness Use fresh when in season otherwise canned or thawed frozen work well
- Green onions: Bring mild sharpness and freshness Look for firm bright green stalks
- Mayonnaise: Creamy base of dressing Use full-fat for richness unless cutting calories
- Greek yogurt or sour cream: Adds tang and lifts the dressing Choose thick Greek yogurt for protein and creaminess
- Lemon juice: Brings brightness Always use fresh-squeezed for best results
- Dijon mustard: Deepens flavor with gentle heat Pick a smooth creamy style
- Honey: Balances heat and acidity Opt for mild local honey for subtle depth
- Salt and black pepper: Essential to bring everything together Always taste and adjust as needed
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Optional for color and a hint of herbal brightness Choose flat-leaf for best texture
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil water in a large pot with a generous pinch of salt Add the pasta and cook until just al dente according to package instructions Rinse under cold water right after draining to prevent overcooking and to stop sticking
- Season and Prep the Chicken:
- Place chicken breasts on a plate Pat them dry with paper towels and rub Cajun seasoning evenly all over Drizzle with olive oil and massage until fully coated This ensures the spices adhere and infuse the meat
- Grill or Pan Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high Once hot add the chicken Cook for five to six minutes per side without moving too much until the outside develops a dark golden crust and juices run clear Remove to a plate cover loosely and rest for five minutes before slicing into bite-sized strips
- Mix the Vegetables:
- In your largest mixing bowl combine the cooked pasta bell peppers red onion cherry tomatoes sweetcorn and green onions This ensures even distribution and every bite is packed with flavor
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a separate bowl whisk together mayonnaise Greek yogurt lemon juice Dijon mustard honey Cajun seasoning salt and black pepper until fully smooth Taste the dressing before adding to adjust for any extra tang or spice
- Assemble the Salad:
- Add the sliced chicken to the veggie and pasta mix Pour the dressing over everything Gently toss using salad tongs or clean hands making sure every piece is glossy and well coated
- Garnish and Chill:
- Scatter chopped parsley over the top Serve your salad right away or cover and refrigerate for up to four hours for deeper flavor If serving later remove the salad from the fridge fifteen minutes before eating for the best taste and texture
Pin The Cajun seasoning is the real hero here. I have tried different brands and homemade mixes but nothing beats the one that uses smoked paprika and a hint of dried thyme. My kids now help mix the spices and licking the whisk is part of our pre-dinner ritual.
Storage Tips
Keep leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to three days The flavors meld and improve overnight
If meal prepping keep the dressing separate from the pasta and veggies Store in a small jar and toss before serving
Do not freeze this salad since the creamy dressing can split or become watery on thawing
Ingredient Substitutions
Use cooked rotisserie chicken if you are short on time Just shred and toss with Cajun spice before adding
Swap the peppers or tomatoes for cucumber or snap peas when in season
Vegan mayo and coconut yogurt easily replace the dairy ingredients to make this salad vegan
Serving Suggestions
Perfect for packing in lunchboxes with a side of fruit
Spoon onto a bed of baby spinach or arugula for even more greens
Pair with warm crusty bread and cold lemonade for the ultimate summer meal
Cultural and Historical Context
Cajun cuisine blends French Spanish and West African flavors brought by Acadian immigrants The classic Cajun spice mix infuses simple everyday ingredients with that unique Louisiana heat
Pasta salads became a picnic and potluck staple in the US after the 1950s with cooks always looking for something that could hold up well and feed a crowd
Seasonal Adaptations
Try grilled zucchini or fresh corn kernels in summer
Add roasted squash cubes and swap paprika for smoked in fall
In winter use baby kale and toss in a little orange zest for brightness
Helpful notes
Always taste and adjust the Cajun seasoning to your liking
Leftovers pack nicely for work lunches
Doubling the recipe is a breeze for parties
Success Stories
This is the salad friends ask for after just one bite I have made it for family reunions and even skeptical eaters who expected a bland pasta salad came back for seconds and asked for the recipe The way the spicy chicken contrasts with the creamy tang of the dressing makes every forkful unforgettable
Freezer Meal Conversion
While you cannot freeze this salad assembled you can freeze cooked sliced chicken and even cooked plain pasta in separate airtight containers Thaw overnight add the veggies fresh and make the dressing the day you plan to eat
Pin This Cajun chicken pasta salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of New Orleans in every bite!
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of grilling?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works well and reduces prep time. Just toss shredded chicken with Cajun seasoning before mixing.
- → How can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute mayonnaise and Greek yogurt with their dairy-free alternatives. Check dressing labels for allergens.
- → What type of pasta is best to use?
Penne or rotini are ideal as their shape holds dressing and toppings. Gluten-free options also work well.
- → Is this dish good for meal prep?
Absolutely. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Toss before serving for best texture.
- → Can I add extra veggies?
Yes. Avocado, black beans, or even cucumber can boost nutrition and texture variety in the mix.
- → How do I adjust the spice level?
Increase Cajun seasoning or add cayenne pepper for more heat. Reduce seasoning for a milder flavor.