Cajun Chicken & Avocado Salad (Paleo)
Cajun seasoning is one of my personal favourites, but sadly the shop bought combinations are usually laden with salt and other horrible additives. Nonetheless, it’s super easy to make it yourself, and tastes way better too! It works great with Chicken and Pork, so I like to make sure I've always got some in the cupboard made up. The combination of the punchy Cajun flavours with the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and the creamy avocado in this salad is utterly divine.
Cajun Chicken and Avocado Salad
A delicious and fresh salad combining punchy Cajun-flavoured chicken with the natural sweetness of cherry tomatoes and the creamy texture of avocado. Perfect for a light and satisfying lunch.
Servings: 4 Serves
Calories: 400kcal
Cost: $20
Equipment
- Large salad bowl
- Frying pan
Ingredients
- 4 free range chicken breasts skinless and boneless
- 2 ripe medium-sized avocados, peeled and chopped
- Salad leaves of your choice a mix of rocket, spinach, and watercress works a treat
- 200 g cherry tomatoes halved
- Juice of 1 lemon
For the Cajun Seasoning:
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp black pepper
- A little unrefined sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Dice the chicken breasts. In a bowl, drizzle half the lemon juice over the meat, making sure to watch out for any seeds. Evenly coat the chicken in the spice mixture, and set aside.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine your mix of salad leaves with the chopped avocado and cherry tomatoes. Toss in the remaining lemon juice – this will stop the avocado from turning brown.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a little oil in a pan to a high heat. Add the chicken, and fry until cooked through and golden brown on both sides. Add to the salad, and enjoy!
I’d love to hear how this Cajun seasoning worked for you, and what else you tried it with! Please share in the comments below.
Why Homemade Seasonings Matter
When you make your own spice blends, you take full control of your flavour profile and avoid unnecessary fillers and preservatives. Store-bought Cajun blends often contain anticaking agents, excessive salt, and even MSG. By crafting your own mix, you not only save money in the long run, but also customise it perfectly to your taste and dietary needs.
A DIY Cajun seasoning also allows you to experiment. Fancy a smokier blend? Add extra smoked paprika. Want it extra hot? Increase the cayenne pepper. This flexibility is something no store-bought mix can offer.
Batch Prep and Storage Tips
If you’re a fan of meal prepping or just like to have quick flavour at hand, making a big batch of Cajun seasoning is a no-brainer. Use an airtight glass jar and keep it stored in a cool, dry place. It’ll stay fresh for several months—though chances are, you’ll be using it up much sooner than that!
Make sure to label the jar with the contents and date—especially if you’re the kind of person who has five different spice blends on the go.
What Else Can You Use Cajun Seasoning On?
Once you’ve made this blend, you’ll find endless uses for it. Here are just a few Paleo-friendly ideas:
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss sweet potato wedges, zucchini slices, or cauliflower florets with olive oil and Cajun seasoning before roasting for a spicy twist.
- Cajun Cauliflower “Popcorn”: Break a cauliflower into small florets, coat with olive oil and Cajun seasoning, and bake until crispy.
- Eggs: Scramble or fry your eggs with a pinch of Cajun spice for a simple breakfast with a kick.
- Prawns: Cajun prawns with avocado salad make a brilliant light meal, especially in summer.
- Stuffed Capsicums: Combine ground beef or turkey with vegetables and Cajun seasoning, then stuff into halved capsicums and bake.
Protein Pairings That Shine
Cajun flavours work beautifully with a variety of proteins. Here are a few combos that will become staples in your Paleo kitchen:
- Cajun Chicken Thighs: Rub with seasoning and bake or grill for a flavour-packed dinner. Serve with a big side of leafy greens.
- Pork Ribs: Marinate pork ribs in a mix of Cajun seasoning and olive oil overnight. Bake low and slow until tender.
- Beef Strips: Stir-fry with onions, capsicum, and a touch of garlic for a quick mid-week meal.
Bring It Into Breakfast
Don’t forget Cajun seasoning in your morning routine! A sprinkle can transform a bland breakfast into something bold:
- Breakfast hash: Dice sweet potato, sauté with onion and spinach, and season with Cajun. Add an egg on top and you’re set.
- Omelette filling: Use leftover roasted veg and chicken seasoned with Cajun spice for a fiery start to the day.
How to Balance Heat and Flavour
One of the common misconceptions about Cajun food is that it has to be unbearably hot. In truth, Cajun seasoning is about depth and balance. The mix of paprika, garlic, onion, thyme, and cayenne should deliver warmth, not pain. If you’re cooking for kids or spice-sensitive guests, reduce the cayenne and add extra paprika or dried herbs.
Make It a Meal Prep Staple
Cajun seasoning isn’t just for standalone dishes—it’s a prepper’s dream. It’s perfect for turning plain meal components into standout meals.
- Grilled Cajun Chicken: Cook in bulk and freeze for use in salads, lettuce wraps, or quick reheat dinners.
- Spiced Mince: Brown up a kilo of mince with Cajun seasoning, onions, and capsicum. Use in stuffed sweet potatoes or Paleo tacos.
- Cajun Roasted Nuts: Lightly coat almonds or cashews in coconut oil and seasoning, then roast. An ideal Paleo snack.
Making It Kid-Friendly
If you’re cooking for the whole family, you can still make use of your Cajun blend—just tone down the spice. Try making a second “mild” version of the blend with very little or no cayenne, and build up from there as kids get used to the flavours.
Serve it alongside a creamy avocado dip or plain coconut yoghurt as a cooling side, which can help balance the heat.
Incorporating Healthy Fats
This type of meal is a great opportunity to include more healthy fats. Olive oil, avocado, ghee or even some duck fat work brilliantly with Cajun spice. These fats help carry the flavours and are perfect on a Paleo diet for satiety and energy.
What About Leftovers?
Cajun-spiced leftovers are even better the next day. The flavours deepen and meld, making them ideal for next-day meals. Add the remains of a Cajun chicken salad into a veggie-packed soup base for a whole new meal, or dice up the leftovers and stir through scrambled eggs for a fast lunch.
Final Tip: Keep a Cajun Jar in Your Pantry
Once you’ve made your seasoning blend, you’ll wonder how you lived without it. Label a jar clearly, and include a date so you know when to refresh it. Trust me—it’ll become a pantry staple that saves you time and boosts your flavour game.
Let’s Hear From You
Tried this seasoning in a different recipe? Added a unique twist to the salad? I’d love to hear how you used your homemade Cajun blend, so leave a comment and share your culinary discoveries.
