Spicy Cajun Rice Salad
A zesty, spicy rice salad bursting with crisp veggies, smoky olives, and a tangy dressing—perfect for summer picnics or a quick crowd‑pleasing side.
Ingredients
- 2 c. water ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 c. Minute rice ⓘ
- 1/2 c. prepared Good Seasons Italian or Zesty Italian salad dressing ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 2 tsp. prepared hot spicy mustard ⓘ
- 2 hard-cooked eggs, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 c. toasted pecans, cut into pieces ⓘ
- 1/4 c. sliced scallions ⓘ
- 1/4 c. sliced, stuffed green olives ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1/4 c. sweet pickle relish ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. diced dill pickle ⓘ
Instructions
- Bring water and salt to a full boil in a medium saucepan.
- Stir in the rice.
- Cover the pot.
- Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Cool the rice completely.
- In a small bowl, combine the salad dressing, hot pepper sauce, and hot spicy mustard; blend well.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled rice with the eggs, celery, toasted pecans, scallions, stuffed green olives, parsley, sweet pickle relish, and diced dill pickle.
- Spoon the dressing mixture over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator.
- Serve chilled as a side dish for 6 servings.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using brown rice instead of Minute rice, which can give the salad a nuttier taste. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, omit the hard-cooked eggs and replace the dressing with a vegan alternative. You can also add diced bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Spicy Cajun Rice Salad chilled as a refreshing side dish to grilled meats or seafood. It pairs beautifully with Nita'S Zucchini Crab Cakes or can be enjoyed on its own as a hearty vegetarian option. Consider serving with crusty bread or a light soup for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To refresh the salad before serving, you can add a splash of additional dressing to revive its flavor and moisture. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Cajun Rice Salad contains roughly 222 calories, with 8g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (43% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1509mg per serving (66% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead! Prepare it a day in advance and let the flavors meld together in the refrigerator. Just be sure to give it a good stir and check the seasoning before serving.
What can I substitute for pecans?
If you're allergic to nuts or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. These alternatives will still provide a nice crunch and complement the other ingredients well.
Is this salad spicy?
The salad has a kick due to the hot pepper sauce and spicy mustard, but you can easily adjust the spice level. For a milder version, reduce the amount of hot pepper sauce or use a milder mustard. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).