Cajun Chicken Pasta Salad (Print Version)

Cajun-spiced chicken, pasta, crisp vegetables, and creamy dressing combine for a flavorful, easy main or lunch.

# Components:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1.5 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
04 - 0.5 teaspoon salt
05 - 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

→ Pasta

06 - 9 ounces rotini or penne pasta

→ Vegetables

07 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
08 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
09 - 0.5 red onion, finely chopped
10 - 1 small cucumber, diced
11 - 0.5 cup sweet corn kernels (cooked or canned, drained)
12 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

→ Dressing

13 - 0.33 cup mayonnaise
14 - 0.33 cup Greek yogurt
15 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
16 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
17 - 1 teaspoon honey
18 - 0.5 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
19 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

# Directions:

01 - Cook the rotini or penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, and set aside.
02 - Rub the chicken breasts evenly with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until it is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat, allow to rest for 5 minutes, then slice into bite-sized strips.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, diced cucumber, corn kernels, and chopped fresh parsley.
04 - In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, and Cajun seasoning until smooth and well combined. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to your preference.
05 - Add the sliced chicken to the bowl with the pasta and vegetables. Pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated. For optimal flavor development, cover and chill the salad for at least 20 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh parsley, if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time
  • Bursting with bright flavors and color from fresh vegetables
  • Customizable heat level to suit every palate
  • Great way to use up leftover veggies from the fridge
  • Can be enjoyed warm or cold which makes it picnic and meal prep friendly
02 -
  • Powerful source of protein and fiber thanks to chicken and veggies
  • Perfect for make-ahead lunches or picnics as it holds up well in the fridge
  • Easily adapted to suit gluten free and dairy free diets
03 -
  • Let the salad chill at least twenty minutes for flavors to meld well I always make mine earlier in the day if possible
  • Use good quality Cajun seasoning and taste it first as heat levels vary widely
  • Dice vegetables just before mixing the salad for the crunchiest texture

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