Cajun Style Potato Salad Recipe
Bursting with bold Southern flavors, this Cajun Style Potato Salad Recipe is a surefire way to add a spicy, zesty kick to any cookout or weeknight dinner. It marries tender red potatoes with crisp veggies, perfectly hard-boiled eggs, and a creamy, tangy dressing flecked with classic Cajun spices. Whether you’re looking to bring something new to the picnic table or just want a taste of Louisiana comfort in your own kitchen, this crowd-pleaser absolutely delivers. Prepare for seconds—you’ll want them!

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Cajun Style Potato Salad Recipe lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each item brings vibrant flavor, texture, or color to the salad, so don’t skip any if you want that authentic taste everyone craves!
- Red potatoes: Their waxy texture holds up beautifully and absorbs the creamy dressing without falling apart.
- Bell pepper or jalapeno: Adds bright color and crunch—use a jalapeno if you like extra heat!
- Celery: Lends a refreshing crispness to balance all the richness.
- Green onion: Brings a mild, savory onion flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Parsley: Freshens up the dish with grassy notes and a pop of green.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base that ties all the flavors together.
- Creole mustard or whole grain: For a spicy, robust tang that gives this salad its distinctive creed.
- Cayenne pepper: Essential for a fiery kick that wakes up your taste buds—adjust to your heat tolerance!
- Paprika: Adds earthy sweetness and that unmistakable Cajun smokiness.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste; don’t be shy but remember you’ll get a punch from the other seasonings too.
- Hard-boiled eggs: They make the salad heartier and give a touch of creaminess and richness.
How to Make Cajun Style Potato Salad Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Kick things off by scrubbing your red potatoes and cutting them into bite-sized cubes. Pop them into a big pot, cover with cold water, and toss in a generous pinch of salt. Bring everything to a rolling boil and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are just fork-tender. Be careful not to overcook—you want them firm enough to hold their shape in the salad. Once done, drain and let the potatoes cool a bit so they don’t melt your creamy dressing.
Step 2: Build the Creamy, Spicy Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, combine your diced bell pepper (or jalapeno for spark), celery, green onion, and parsley. Dollop in the mayonnaise and Creole mustard—now the flavors start to get exciting! Sprinkle in the cayenne pepper, paprika, and add your salt and black pepper to taste. Stir everything until you’ve got a vibrant, well-mixed base that smells like pure Mardi Gras.
Step 3: Coat the Potatoes
Add your still-warm but cooled potatoes straight into the bowl with the dressing and veggies. Gently fold (don’t mash!) so each potato cube gets luxuriously coated. The warmth helps them soak up even more of that rich, spiced sauce.
Step 4: Add the Eggs
Next up, gently stir in your chopped hard-boiled eggs. Here’s the magic: you can keep your Cajun Style Potato Salad Recipe chunky with large egg and potato pieces, or mash it a bit more for a creamier, old-fashioned feel. Taste as you go—now’s the time to add an extra pinch of salt or cayenne if you want more zing.
Step 5: Chill or Serve
You can serve your Cajun Style Potato Salad Recipe right away if you love it warm and ultra-creamy. Or, cover and refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight—this lets the flavors mingle and intensify. Either way, be ready for rave reviews!
How to Serve Cajun Style Potato Salad Recipe

Garnishes
A finishing flourish makes all the difference! Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or green onion on top for freshness. If you want to showcase the Southern flair, a dusting of smoked paprika or a few jalapeno slices give great color and a little spark. Sliced hard-boiled eggs arranged on top can also make your Cajun Style Potato Salad Recipe a showstopper.
Side Dishes
This potato salad is a star at any Southern spread, and it pairs beautifully with grilled meats like smoky sausages, barbecue chicken, or blackened fish. Cornbread, baked beans, or a crisp green salad are classic companions that round out your meal without stealing the spotlight from the bold flavors in your Cajun Style Potato Salad Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party-ready twist, scoop the salad into lettuce cups, serve it in mason jars for picnics, or offer bite-sized portions in mini tart shells for a sophisticated appetizer. Layering it in a clear trifle bowl shows off all the colors and textures—this is a dish meant to be admired as much as devoured!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Cajun Style Potato Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days—just give it a gentle stir before serving, as the dressing might settle or separate slightly.
Freezing
While technically you can freeze potato salad, the texture of the potatoes and eggs may become a bit watery and less appealing after thawing. For the very best results, it’s better to enjoy this salad fresh or refrigerated rather than frozen.
Reheating
Potato salad is mostly served chilled or at room temperature, but if you prefer it a bit warm, just scoop your desired portion into a microwave-safe dish and heat in 10-15 second bursts, stirring each time until just warmed through. Avoid overheating to preserve the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use another type of potato?
Absolutely! While red potatoes are traditional because they hold their shape, Yukon Golds also work well. Just avoid russets, as they tend to fall apart and become mushy in this Cajun Style Potato Salad Recipe.
Is it possible to make this recipe without eggs?
Yes, you can omit the eggs if you like or need to for dietary reasons. The salad will still be flavorful and satisfying thanks to all those bold Cajun spices and creamy dressing.
How spicy is this potato salad?
You’re in full control of the spice! The recipe calls for a good pinch of cayenne, but feel free to dial it back or amp it up, and swap in bell pepper for jalapeno if you want a milder version of this Cajun Style Potato Salad Recipe.
Can I use Dijon mustard instead of Creole?
Dijon mustard can absolutely pinch-hit for Creole mustard if that’s what you have on hand. For authentic Cajun flair, try to use Creole or whole grain, but the salad will still taste lively and delicious with Dijon.
How far in advance can I make this salad?
You can prepare Cajun Style Potato Salad Recipe up to a day ahead! The flavors meld and become even more delicious after a few hours in the refrigerator. Just stir before serving and add extra garnish for a fresh look.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a potato salad that stands out from the crowd, give this Cajun Style Potato Salad Recipe a spot at your table. It’s vibrant, tangy, and full of irresistible Southern flair—perfect for gatherings, weeknights, or whenever you want a little spice in your life!
PrintCajun Style Potato Salad Recipe
This Cajun Style Potato Salad recipe is a zesty and flavorful twist on a classic side dish. Packed with Cajun spices and creamy mayo, it’s perfect for BBQs, picnics, or as a side for your favorite Cajun dishes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing, Boiling
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Potato Salad:
- 2 pounds red potatoes
Vegetable Mix:
- 1/2 bell pepper (diced)
- 1 stalk celery (diced)
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onion
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Dressing:
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Creole mustard (or whole grain)
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Additional:
- 6 hard boiled eggs (chopped)
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes – Add cubed potatoes to a pot, cover with water, add salt, and boil for 10 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and cool slightly.
- Mix – In a large bowl, combine bell pepper, celery, green onion, parsley, mayo, mustard, and seasonings. Stir well.
- Add Potatoes – Mix in the cooked potatoes until fully coated with the creamy mixture.
- Eggs – Gently fold in the chopped hard boiled eggs. Adjust the consistency to your preference.
- Taste and adjust – Season with salt as needed.
- Serve – Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for a chilled option.
Notes
- You can add diced pickles for extra tanginess.
- For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper amount.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
Keywords: Cajun, Potato Salad, Side Dish, Picnic, BBQ, Easy Recipe