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Mardi Gras Pasta Salad

Mardi Gras Pasta Salad
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A quick, vibrant Mardi Gras Pasta Salad bursting with fresh vegetables, zesty dressing, and smoky Cajun sausage for a colorful and flavorful dish perfect for festive gatherings, easy meal prep, and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 2 cups rotini or bowtie pasta

Vegetables

  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup celery, chopped
  • 1/4 cup black olives, sliced

Protein

  • 1 cup Cajun sausage or andouille, sliced and sautéed

Cheese

  • 3/4 cup cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese cubes

Dressing

  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Begin by boiling your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta for the salad’s fresh texture.
  2. Prep the vegetables and sausage: While the pasta cooks, chop the bell peppers, celery, and red onion into bite-sized pieces. Slice the Cajun sausage into rounds and sauté in a pan until browned and fragrant for maximum flavor.
  3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, and Cajun seasoning. Adjust the levels to find your preferred balance between creamy, tangy, and spicy.
  4. Combine all ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta with vegetables, sausage, olives, and cheese cubes. Pour the dressing over everything and stir gently until evenly coated. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a bright finishing touch.
  5. Chill and serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Mardi Gras Pasta Salad for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing and festive dish.

Notes

  • Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness after chilling.
  • Chill the salad before serving to enhance flavor blending.
  • Use homemade Cajun seasoning to customize spice levels.
  • Add dressing gradually to avoid a soggy salad.
  • Dress the salad no more than a few hours ahead for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mardi Gras, pasta salad, Cajun, party dish, quick recipe, festive salad, rotini, bowtie pasta, easy meal prep

Find it online: https://dishesbylina.com/mardi-gras-pasta-salad/