Mardi Gras Pasta Salad (Print version)

A colorful Cajun pasta salad with rotini, smoky andouille, crisp vegetables, and a creamy Creole mustard dressing.

# Ingredients:

For the salad

01 - 12 oz (340 g) rotini pasta
02 - 8 oz (225 g) fully cooked andouille sausage, sliced into half-moons
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 cup (150 g) corn kernels, thawed if frozen
07 - 2 celery ribs, finely diced
08 - 1/2 cup (75 g) finely diced red onion
09 - 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
10 - 3 green onions, thinly sliced

For the Cajun dressing

11 - 3/4 cup (170 g) mayonnaise
12 - 2 tablespoons Creole mustard
13 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
14 - 1 tablespoon pickle juice or apple cider vinegar
15 - 1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, plus more to taste
16 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
17 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
18 - Salt, to taste
19 - Hot sauce, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini until tender but not mushy, about 8-10 minutes. Drain, rinse under cool water, and drain very well.
02 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced andouille and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges are browned. Transfer to a plate and cool slightly.
03 - In a bowl, whisk mayonnaise, Creole mustard, lemon juice, pickle juice, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and a few dashes of hot sauce if using. Taste before adding extra salt because Cajun seasoning varies.
04 - Add the cooled pasta, andouille, bell peppers, corn, celery, red onion, parsley, and green onions to a large mixing bowl. Pour in about three quarters of the dressing and fold gently until coated.
05 - Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Stir before serving and add the remaining dressing as needed. Adjust with more lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, or salt to taste.

# Good to know:

01 - Best served chilled or slightly cool, not icy cold.
02 - Reserve a little dressing for serving because pasta absorbs moisture as it rests.
03 - Keeps refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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