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Cajun Comfort
Cajun Sausage Pasta Salad
A Cajun sausage pasta salad with smoky sausage, peppers, and pasta in a creamy, lightly spiced dressing.
RECIPE AT A GLANCE
20
min
Active Time
40
min
Total Time
8
SERVINGS
Stovetop
METHOD
Why It Works
Browning the sausage first seasons the whole salad with smoky flavor. A creamy Cajun dressing coats the cooled pasta without turning it heavy.
Ingredients
Pasta & Grains
• 12 oz rotini
Protein
• 12 oz andouille or smoked sausage, sliced
Sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Vegetables
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• ¼ cup diced red onion
Seasoning
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
Topping
• 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
How to Make It
1
Cook the rotini until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water.
2
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high and brown the sausage, then let cool.
3
Whisk mayonnaise, vinegar, Dijon, and Cajun seasoning in a small bowl.
4
Toss the pasta, sausage, bell pepper, celery, and red onion with the dressing.
5
Chill at least 1 hour.
6
Top with green onions and serve.
How to Make It
1
Cook the rotini until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water.
2
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high and brown the sausage, then let cool.
3
Whisk mayonnaise, vinegar, Dijon, and Cajun seasoning in a small bowl.
4
Toss the pasta, sausage, bell pepper, celery, and red onion with the dressing.
5
Chill at least 1 hour.
6
Top with green onions and serve.
Ingredients
Pasta & Grains
• 12 oz rotini
Protein
• 12 oz andouille or smoked sausage, sliced
Sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Vegetables
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• ¼ cup diced red onion
Seasoning
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
Topping
• 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
Storage & Reheat
Store:
Store up to 3 days.
Reheat:
Serve cold; no reheating needed.
Swaps
No Dijon? Use the same amount of spicy brown mustard.
No apple cider vinegar? Use the same amount of white wine vinegar.
Avo's Tip
Toss in a little extra dressing right before serving — chilled pasta soaks it up.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you start cooking.
What pasta works best?
Short shapes like rotini or penne hold the dressing and mix-ins well.
What sausage is best?
Andouille for heat or smoked sausage for a milder, family-friendly salad.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. It's ideal made a few hours ahead so the flavors meld.
Quick Fixes
Salad dry after chilling: pasta drinks dressing, so stir in a splash more before serving.
Too rich: brighten it with extra vinegar or lemon.
Want crunch: add diced celery or bell pepper.
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