Cajun Macaroni Salad
Spice up your summer potlucks and picnics with this irresistibly creamy Cajun Macaroni Salad! Featuring tender elbow macaroni tossed in a zesty dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, bold Cajun seasoning, and a touch of tangy apple cider vinegar, this dish brings a lively twist to a classic favorite. Crunchy celery, vibrant red bell peppers, crisp green onions, and sweet pops of thawed peas balance the heat, while a dash of paprika adds the perfect smoky finish. Ready in just 30 minutes (with a quick chill for the flavors to meld), this salad is an easy, crowd-pleasing side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or seafood. Perfect for meal prep or entertaining, serve this chilled delight and watch it disappear!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 1.5 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 celery stalks (chopped)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 3 green onions (thinly sliced)
- 0.5 red onion (finely chopped)
- 1 cup frozen peas (thawed)
- 0.5 teaspoons paprika
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
Instructions
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Cajun seasoning, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard until smooth and well combined.
Add the cooked and cooled macaroni to the bowl with the dressing. Toss to coat evenly.
Fold in the chopped celery, diced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, finely chopped red onion, and thawed peas. Mix gently to combine.
Season the salad with paprika, salt, and black pepper, adjusting to taste.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Before serving, give the salad a final toss and adjust seasoning, if needed. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3064 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 203.9 g | 261% | |
| Saturated Fat | 31.4 g | 157% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 293 mg | 98% | |
| Sodium | 5312 mg | 231% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 263.5 g | 96% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 27.8 g | 99% | |
| Total Sugars | 37.4 g | ||
| Protein | 47.2 g | 94% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 343 mg | 26% | |
| Iron | 12.3 mg | 68% | |
| Potassium | 1468 mg | 31% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
