Description

Get ready to fall in love with this bold and creamy Cajun-Inspired Creamy Macaroni Salad! Perfect for quick lunches, easy dinners, healthy snacks, and festive gatherings, this salad delivers smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors in every creamy bite. It’s one of those irresistible food ideas that blends the comfort of a classic macaroni salad with the exciting heat of Cajun seasoning. If you’re on the hunt for crowd-pleasing breakfast ideas, dinner ideas, or just an easy recipe to spice up your weekly menu, this salad is the answer. Every forkful is packed with tender pasta, vibrant veggies, and a dressing so good, you’ll be tempted to eat it by the spoonful. Ideal for potlucks, cookouts, or meal prepping a flavorful side dish you’ll actually crave!

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
¾ cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup green peas (thawed if frozen)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
1 teaspoon paprika (for garnish)

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni until al dente, about 7–9 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Cajun seasoning, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl and toss gently to coat every piece.
Fold in the green peas and half of the parsley until combined.
Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Before serving, sprinkle with paprika and the remaining parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Stir gently and serve cold!