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If you’re searching for a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines creamy, tangy dressing with savory Creole-marinated chicken and fresh garden veggies, this Ajun Pasta Salad Recipe is your new go-to. Bursting with bold seasoning and loaded with textures that dance on your palate, this salad transforms simple macaroni into a truly memorable meal. Whether for a casual lunch, potluck, or a picnic dish, the Ajun Pasta Salad Recipe hits all the right notes with its perfect blend of zest, creaminess, and a little Southern flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this salad lies in the perfect harmony of each ingredient. From tender chicken bathed in a spicy marinade to the crisp crunch of fresh bell peppers, every element plays a crucial role in building the salad’s irresistible character. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- Chicken breasts (2, cut into bite-size pieces): Provides hearty protein with a tender bite that soaks up the marinade beautifully.
- Tony Chachere’s Creole Style Chicken Marinade (1/2 cup): Infuses the chicken with authentic Creole spices, offering that signature zing.
- Uncooked macaroni (2.5 cups): The perfect pasta shape to hold onto the creamy dressing and bits of veggies.
- Red onion (1/2 small, chopped): Adds a mild sharpness and a splash of color.
- Little tomatoes, grape or cherry (1 cup, halved): Bring juicy bursts of sweetness and bright red hues.
- Red bell pepper (1/2, chopped): Adds crunch, sweetness, and a vibrant pop of red.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Offers a fresh, herbaceous note that balances the creaminess.
- Mayo (1/2 cup): Creates a rich and smooth base for the dressing.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds tang and creaminess, making the salad irresistibly lush.
- Horseradish (1 teaspoon): Gives a subtle kick that wakes up the palate.
- Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): Brightens and lifts the salad’s flavors with refreshing acidity.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon): Deepens the dressing with subtle umami notes.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Imparts rich, aromatic depth.
- Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning (1 teaspoon): The finishing touch for that unmistakable Southern flair.
How to Make Ajun Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-size pieces and tossing them in a bowl with 1/2 cup of Tony Chachere’s Creole Style Chicken Marinade. Make sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge for 30 minutes to soak up those bold, spiced flavors deeply.
Step 2: Cook and Prep the Pasta
While your chicken marinates, cook 2.5 cups of macaroni in boiling water until just al dente. Once it’s perfectly tender, rinse the pasta with cool water to stop the cooking and drain it thoroughly. Transfer it to a large mixing bowl where it will patiently wait to soak up all those tasty ingredients.
Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Dressing
In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayo, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 teaspoon horseradish, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 clove minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning. Whisk everything together until perfectly smooth and luscious—this dressing will be the luscious glue tying all your ingredients together.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook it in a skillet over medium-high heat. Stir fairly often and cook until the chicken is cooked through and golden, about 5 to 6 minutes. Set the chicken aside to cool slightly, ready to join the pasta party.
Step 5: Assemble Your Ajun Pasta Salad Recipe
Here’s the fun part: toss together the chopped red onion, halved little tomatoes, chopped red bell pepper, freshly chopped parsley, the cooked chicken (drain excess marinade), and the creamy dressing with your macaroni. Stir gently until every bite is coated and colorful. You can enjoy this salad straight away or refrigerate it covered for an hour to let the flavors meld beautifully.
How to Serve Ajun Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some extra fresh parsley or a dusting of Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning on top to add a burst of color and spice just before serving. A wedge of lemon on the side is also delightful for those who love a little extra citrus zing.
Side Dishes
This salad shines as a main dish for a light lunch, but it also pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables, crusty bread, or a crisp green salad. It’s a versatile superstar that complements many summertime spreads or comfort food classics like baked beans or corn on the cob.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, try serving your Ajun Pasta Salad Recipe in clear glass bowls to show off all the colorful veggies and marinated chicken. You can also portion it into individual mason jars for a fun picnic or lunchbox idea. Garnishing with lemon slices or fresh herbs on top adds that extra touch of charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Ajun Pasta Salad Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days. Be sure to stir well before serving again, as the dressing may settle on the bottom.
Freezing
Because this salad contains creamy dressing and fresh vegetables, freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture and taste, making the salad watery once thawed.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you want to warm up the chicken, remove it before adding and gently reheat separately, then combine with the salad after cooling slightly. Avoid microwaving the whole salad to preserve freshness.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for the Ajun Pasta Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! While macaroni works perfectly for holding dressing and ingredients, feel free to substitute with penne, rotini, or shell pasta depending on what you have on hand.
Is it okay to skip the chicken marinade?
You can skip it in a pinch, but marinating the chicken is key to infusing the Creole flavors that make this salad truly stand out. Without it, the chicken might taste bland.
Can I make this pasta salad vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add extra veggies or beans for protein. You can boost flavor with additional Creole seasoning or smoked paprika for a smoky depth.
How long can I prepare the salad in advance?
You can assemble the salad a few hours before serving and keep it covered in the fridge. For best texture and taste, avoid making it more than a day ahead.
What if I don’t have Tony Chachere’s seasoning?
While Tony Chachere’s gives the salad its signature Creole kick, you can substitute with a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt to mimic similar flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Ajun Pasta Salad Recipe is a delightful blend of creamy, zesty, and savory that’s sure to become a cherished favorite. It’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for any occasion where you want to impress without fuss. Give it a try, and you’ll see why this recipe has captured the hearts of pasta salad fans everywhere!
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Ajun Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Description
This Cajun Pasta Salad combines tender marinated chicken, perfectly cooked macaroni, and a medley of fresh vegetables, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing with a spicy Creole kick. It’s a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade and Meat
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1/2 cup Tony Chachere’s Creole Style Chicken Marinade
Pasta and Vegetables
- 2.5 cups uncooked macaroni
- 1/2 small red onion, chopped
- 1 cup little tomatoes (grape or cherry), halved
- 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon horseradish
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the bite-sized chicken pieces in a bowl and pour in 1/2 cup of Tony Chachere’s Creole Style Chicken Marinade. Stir well to coat all pieces evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes to infuse the chicken with flavorful spices.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process, then drain thoroughly. Transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning until smooth and well combined.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is fully cooked through and no longer pink inside. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Assemble the Salad: Add the chopped red onion, halved tomatoes, chopped red bell pepper, fresh parsley, and cooked chicken (without excess marinade) to the pasta bowl. Pour the prepared dressing over all ingredients. Toss thoroughly to combine. Serve immediately or refrigerate covered for an hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- Make sure to rinse and drain the pasta well after cooking to avoid sogginess in the pasta salad.
- Chilling the salad for an hour enhances the flavor, but you can serve it immediately if needed.
- Adjust the amount of horseradish and Creole seasoning if you prefer a milder or spicier salad.
- This salad keeps well for up to 2 days refrigerated; stir before serving.
- Use fresh vegetables for the best texture and flavor contrast.
