Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to lunch: Creamy Cajun Spiced Chicken Salad. Brimming with bold flavor, a cool, creamy dressing, and tons of crunchy, colorful veggies, this salad is pure comfort with a little Cajun kick! Whether you pile it high on fresh mixed greens, stuff it into sandwich bread, or just eat it right from the bowl (no shame here!), every bite delivers a satisfying balance of smoky, tangy, and spicy notes. Best part? It’s quick, totally customizable, and manages to be both filling and refreshing—pure magic for meal preppers and busy food lovers alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creamy Cajun Spiced Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how just a few simple but essential ingredients can come together to create something so vibrant and delicious. Each component in this Creamy Cajun Spiced Chicken Salad adds a burst of flavor, texture, or color, and those Cajun spices make every bite unforgettable.

Cooked chicken (2 cups): Leftover rotisserie or poached chicken works beautifully here—just shred or dice to your liking for the perfect base.
Mayonnaise (½ cup): This brings rich creaminess and binds everything together into a luscious salad.
Sour cream (2 tablespoons): Adds a tangy, light note that balances the richness of the mayo—swap in Greek yogurt for a healthier twist!
Cajun seasoning (1 tablespoon): The heart of the flavor here—choose your favorite blend and adjust to taste for a bolder or milder kick.
Celery (1 stalk, finely chopped): Crunchy, fresh, and totally essential for that classic chicken salad texture.
Red onion (½ small, finely diced): Brings just the right amount of sharp, savory bite and lovely color.
Bell pepper (1 small, diced): Choose red, yellow, or orange to add a sweet pop and vibrant hue.
Green onions (2, sliced): These add savory depth and a burst of fresh flavor in every mouthful.
Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): Brightens the salad and perks up all the other flavors.
Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle, smoky warmth that pairs perfectly with the Cajun spices.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Just the right amount to enhance every other ingredient—adjust to your preference.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): For that subtle background heat and roundness.
Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, optional): A sprinkle on top adds herby brightness and a pretty finish.
Mixed greens or sandwich bread (for serving): Go classic with greens or turn it into a power-packed sandwich—your call!

How to Make Creamy Cajun Spiced Chicken Salad

Step 1: Make the Creamy Cajun Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Cajun seasoning, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir until everything comes together into a smooth, velvety dressing—the perfect backdrop for all those vibrant flavors and textures!

Step 2: Add the Veggies and Chicken

Toss in the shredded or diced cooked chicken, followed by the celery, red onion, bell pepper, and green onions. Use a sturdy spatula or big spoon to gently fold everything together, ensuring every piece gets coated with that luscious, spiced dressing. Already smelling amazing, isn’t it?

Step 3: Garnish and Chill

Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top for a vibrant finish (if using). Pop the whole bowl in the fridge and let your Creamy Cajun Spiced Chicken Salad chill for at least 30 minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld and the salad to firm up for easy scooping and serving.

Step 4: Serve and Savor

When you’re ready to eat, give the salad a quick stir. Scoop over a pile of mixed greens or tuck it into your favorite sandwich bread. Every forkful is cool, creamy, with just the right kick—enjoy!

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Spiced Chicken Salad

Garnishes

To really make your Creamy Cajun Spiced Chicken Salad shine, add a flurry of chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions right before serving. A scatter of extra smoked paprika or a squeeze of lemon on top gives it restaurant-level flair and an extra layer of visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Pair your salad with crispy sweet potato chips, a bowl of fruit salad, or a cup of creamy tomato soup for a fresh and complete meal. If you’re feeling fancy, serve it alongside a tangy slaw or a basket of warm, soft rolls—simple sides that let the Cajun flavors truly sing.

Creative Ways to Present

Try spooning your Creamy Cajun Spiced Chicken Salad into lettuce cups for a light and crunchy bite, or stuff it into hollowed-out tomatoes or avocado halves for an elegant twist. For parties, serve it in mini phyllo shells or as sliders piled high on soft buns—it’s always the first to disappear!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This salad is a meal prep superstar, keeping well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors get even better overnight, so don’t be afraid to make it ahead for quick lunches all week long.

Freezing

While Creamy Cajun Spiced Chicken Salad is best enjoyed fresh, freezing isn’t recommended as the creamy dressing can separate and the veggies may lose their crunch once thawed. If you’d like to prep ahead, freeze plain cooked chicken and assemble the salad fresh for brightest flavor and texture.

Reheating

No need to reheat—this salad is served cold for peak creaminess and freshness! If you use previously frozen chicken, simply thaw it fully before mixing into the salad for the best result.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken in Creamy Cajun Spiced Chicken Salad?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is tender, flavorful, and saves tons of time. Just shred or chop it and use it in place of cooked chicken—the spices in the salad will blend perfectly with the savory chicken.

How spicy is the Cajun seasoning?

Cajun seasoning can range from mild to extra bold, so feel free to adjust the amount based on your heat preference. Start with one tablespoon, taste, and add more if you want a bigger kick. A squeeze of lemon helps mellow out the spice if needed.

Is there a lighter version of this salad?

You bet! Substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream or mayo, or use a reduced-fat version of either. The salad will still be ultra-creamy, with tangy, smoky flavor and plenty of veggie crunch.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Definitely. Diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, or even crispy bacon bits work beautifully here. Just be mindful not to overload it, so the zesty Cajun dressing still shines through.

What’s the best way to meal prep Creamy Cajun Spiced Chicken Salad?

Mix up a big batch and portion it into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches. Keep sandwich bread, wraps, or greens separate until you’re ready to eat for maximum freshness and flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something special about a dish that brings such big, bold flavor with so little fuss—trust me, once you try this Creamy Cajun Spiced Chicken Salad, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your meal rotation. Give it a whirl and let your taste buds go on a little Cajun adventure!

Creamy Cajun Spiced Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy and flavorful goodness of this Cajun-spiced chicken salad. Packed with a blend of bold spices and tender chicken, this salad is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
½ small red onion, finely diced
1 small bell pepper, diced
2 green onions, sliced
1 teaspoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
mixed greens or sandwich bread for serving

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Instructions

Create the Dressing: In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, Cajun seasoning, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken, celery, red onion, bell pepper, and green onions. Toss until well coated.
Garnish and Chill: Garnish with parsley if desired. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
Serve: Serve over mixed greens or as a sandwich filling.