Sam When you’re craving something creamy, spicy, and satisfying, this Cajun Chicken Pasta Salad delivers bold flavor in every bite. Tender grilled Cajun-seasoned chicken is tossed with al dente pasta, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, zesty dressing that pulls everything together. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, feeding a crowd, or planning the ultimate potluck side dish, this creamy Cajun chicken pasta salad is a guaranteed hit.
This salad checks all the boxes: high-protein, veggie-packed, and flavor-forward. With a base of rotini or penne pasta, bold Cajun grilled chicken, and a creamy homemade dressing made with ranch and Greek yogurt, it’s everything you want from a cold pasta salad. Fresh bell peppers and red onions add the crunch, while the creamy dressing ties it all together. It’s no wonder why this spicy chicken pasta salad has become a staple in Southern-style summer meals.
Curious about Cajun spice benefits? Check out WebMD’s guide on spicy foods and metabolism. Looking for ways to add lean protein to meals? See Harvard’s healthy protein recommendations. Want to learn about the importance of colorful vegetables in your diet? Explore the CDC’s page on veggies and disease prevention.
RECIPE OVERVIEW
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Medium
- Cuisine: American / Southern-Inspired
- Servings: 6–8
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional)
- Total Time: ~1 hour
Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~450
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 28g
- Sugar: 4g
- Fiber: 3g
Budget Breakdown
- Pasta: ~$1.50
- Chicken breast: ~$4.00
- Veggies (bell peppers, onion, celery): ~$3.00
- Seasonings, oil, ranch base: ~$2.50
- Total Cost: ~$11.00
- Cost per Serving: ~$1.83
Why You’ll Love This Cajun Chicken Pasta Salad
- Full of bold, spicy, smoky Cajun flavor
- Creamy yet light dressing with ranch and Greek yogurt
- Excellent cold pasta salad for potlucks and picnics
- High-protein and satisfying—great for lunch or dinner
- Versatile for meal prep or quick weeknight meals
Perfect For:
- Summer BBQs and cookouts
- Easy family dinners
- Meal prep lunches
- Spicy cold pasta salad cravings
- Southern-style entertaining
Behind the Recipe
This spicy chicken pasta salad was inspired by a favorite Southern deli dish and adapted to be more nutritious and meal prep–friendly. Instead of heavy mayo, we use a blend of ranch dressing and Greek yogurt to keep things creamy but light. The Cajun spice blend adds depth, while crisp veggies bring brightness and texture.
We love how this recipe can be prepped ahead, served cold, and customized endlessly—from the type of pasta to the spice level and veggie mix-ins. You can even turn it into a gluten-free Cajun pasta salad with chicken by using chickpea pasta or brown rice pasta.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salad:
- 8 oz rotini or penne pasta, cooked and cooled
- 2 chicken breasts, grilled or pan-seared with Cajun seasoning
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup yellow bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup celery, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- Optional: ½ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Ingredient Highlights
- Cajun Chicken: Use homemade or store-bought Cajun seasoning. Grill or sear chicken for best texture and smoky flavor.
- Greek Yogurt: Adds protein and creaminess without the heaviness of mayo.
- Ranch Dressing: Gives it classic picnic salad vibes with a tangy twist.
- Rotini Pasta: Great for holding onto the dressing and chunks of chicken.
- Bell Peppers: Add crunch, color, and sweetness to balance the spice.
How to Make Cajun Chicken Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Season chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Grill or pan-sear until cooked through and juices run clear. Let rest, then slice or dice into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
Step 3: Prep the Veggies
Dice bell peppers, slice celery, and finely chop the red onion. You can also shred the cheese if using.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, ranch dressing, lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, veggies, and cheese (if using). Pour dressing over and toss gently to combine.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Cover and chill for 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Garnish with extra Cajun seasoning or chopped parsley if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent sogginess
- Let chicken rest before slicing to retain juices
- Adjust Cajun seasoning for heat level preference
- Chill before serving for best flavor
- Add hot sauce or extra lemon juice for zing
Easy Variations
- Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Salad with Ranch: Double the ranch and reduce yogurt for a richer dressing.
- Healthy Cajun Pasta Salad: Use whole wheat pasta and low-fat yogurt.
- Spicy Option: Add cayenne pepper or jalapeños.
- Low-Carb Version: Use spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice.
- Gluten-Free Cajun Pasta Salad: Swap pasta with gluten-free varieties like rice, quinoa, or chickpea pasta.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Meal Prep: Divide into containers for grab-and-go lunches.
- Serve With: Grilled corn, cornbread, iced tea, or fruit salad.
- Potluck Tip: Double the batch—it disappears fast!
🍽️ Make It a Meal 🍜
Pair this Cajun Chicken Pasta Salad with:
- Grilled shrimp skewers or blackened fish
- Cornbread muffins or cheesy biscuits
- mango avocado salad or watermelon feta salad
- Sparkling lemonade or sweet iced tea
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this recipe is ideal for meal prep and potlucks. Chill it in the fridge and stir before serving.
A Cajun ranch dressing made with Greek yogurt and lemon juice gives the best combination of heat, creaminess, and tang.
Definitely. It stays fresh for up to four days and offers a protein-packed, make-ahead lunch option.
Yes! It’s a great shortcut—just season with Cajun spice and add to the pasta.
Up to 4 days in an airtight container. Stir before serving if it separates slightly.
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack complement the Cajun spice beautifully.
Yes. Greek yogurt offers a lighter, creamy texture without added fats.
Serve it cold or at room temperature. It’s perfect for warm weather.
Pair with BBQ ribs, burgers, or grilled corn for a Southern-style spread.
Absolutely. Roasted corn, cherry tomatoes, and diced avocado are great additions for more flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Pasta Salad brings together bold Cajun flavors, crisp veggies, and creamy dressing in one simple, satisfying dish. It’s easy to prepare, even easier to love, and perfect for almost any occasion—from backyard BBQs to weekday lunches.
The combination of spicy grilled chicken, zesty ranch yogurt dressing, and colorful vegetables makes every bite flavorful and balanced. Whether you want to spice up your meal prep or impress guests with a crowd-pleasing side dish, this pasta salad will never disappoint.
If you love vibrant recipes with Southern flair, you’ll also enjoy our Grilled Corn & Mango Salsa, Chilled Cucumber Yogurt Salad, and Passion Fruit Mousse — all packed with refreshing ingredients and bold flavors!
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📌 Pin This Recipe: Cajun Chicken Pasta Salad
A creamy, spicy cold pasta salad with grilled Cajun chicken, crisp veggies, and a bold ranch dressing—perfect for meal prep, potlucks, and summer meals!
Best Ever Cajun Chicken Pasta Salad (Spicy, Creamy, Flavor-Packed)
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 8 oz Rotini or penne pasta, cooked and cooled
- 2 Chicken breasts, grilled or pan-seared with Cajun seasoning
- ½ cup Red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup Yellow bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup Celery, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup Red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup Optional: Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning store-bought or homemade
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Grill or pan-sear until cooked through and juices run clear. Let rest, then slice or dice into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
- Prep the Veggies: Dice bell peppers, slice celery, and finely chop the red onion. You can also shred the cheese if using.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, ranch dressing, lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, veggies, and cheese (if using). Pour dressing over and toss gently to combine.
- Chill and Serve: Cover and chill for 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Garnish with extra Cajun seasoning or chopped parsley if desired.
