Description
This Grilled Chicken Cajun Pasta Salad is a delicious mix of smoky, spiced chicken, creamy dressing, and tender pasta tossed with fresh vegetables. It’s perfect for meal prep, summer cookouts, or a quick and satisfying lunch. The Cajun seasoning adds a flavorful kick, while the creamy dressing balances everything out.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Pasta Salad:
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or bowtie)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup corn (fresh or canned, drained)
- ¼ cup black olives, sliced
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
For the Creamy Cajun Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon honey (optional, for balance
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips or cubes.
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and honey until smooth.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, corn, black olives, shredded cheese, and parsley. Add the sliced grilled chicken. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving for the flavors to meld. Garnish with extra parsley or a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning
Notes
- Make it spicier by adding crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
- Lighten it up by using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
- For extra crunch, add diced cucumbers or crispy bacon
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~450 per serving