This Zesty Chicken Enchilada Pasta Salad brings a fun twist to your typical pasta dish. It combines chicken, pasta, and a zesty dressing that packs a flavor punch!
You’ll love how colorful and crunchy this salad is, with bits of peppers and onions. Plus, it comes together quickly, making it a perfect meal for busy days or potlucks!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This pasta’s spiral shape holds onto the sauce and other ingredients well. If you don’t have rotini, farfalle or fusilli also work wonderfully for similar texture and taste.
Cooked Chicken: You can use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you’re having a meatless day, swap it with diced avocado to keep it fresh and creamy.
Black Beans: Canned black beans are perfect here, but you can substitute them with kidney beans or pinto beans if that’s what you have on hand.
Jalapeño: If you prefer less heat, feel free to skip the jalapeño or replace it with a mild bell pepper. Or, use a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some kick.
How Do I Get the Perfect Flavor Balance in My Dressing?
The dressing is crucial for tying all the flavors together. Start by mixing your lime juice and olive oil, which adds brightness and richness. Then, add spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika for depth.
- Adjust seasonings to taste. If you like it tangy, add more lime juice, and for a spicier kick, add extra chili powder.
- Whisk until well combined. It should be balanced between sour, spicy, and savory.
Zesty Chicken Enchilada Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz rotini pasta: (about 2 cups dry)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast: cubed
- 1 cup canned black beans: drained and rinsed
- 1 cup canned corn: drained
- 1/2 cup red onion: finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper: sliced thinly (remove seeds for less heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro: chopped
- 1 lime: juiced (plus extra lime wedges for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Optional: shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator for the flavors to blend. So, you can have a delicious pasta salad ready in just under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool. Set it aside.
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed cooked chicken, drained black beans, drained corn, chopped red onion, thinly sliced jalapeño, and chopped cilantro. This mixture will be the base of your salad.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This zesty dressing will add a fantastic flavor to your salad!
4. Mix It All Together:
Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the chicken and veggie mixture. Pour the dressing over everything and toss it well to coat all the ingredients evenly.
5. Adjust Seasoning:
Take a moment to taste your salad. If you think it needs more flavor, add a pinch of salt, pepper, or an extra squeeze of lime juice.
6. Chill and Serve:
Cover the pasta salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on top. If you like, sprinkle some shredded cheese for extra flavor.
Enjoy your zesty chicken enchilada pasta salad as a colorful, flavorful meal or side dish with a delightful Mexican flair! Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works perfectly. Just make sure to cube or shred it into bite-sized pieces to blend well with the other ingredients.
What If I Don’t Have Rotini Pasta?
No problem! You can substitute rotini with other pasta shapes like farfalle (bowtie) or fusilli. Just ensure it’s a similar size for even mixing in the salad.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Pasta Salad?
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before serving as the flavors may settle.
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes! Simply substitute the chicken with chickpeas or avocado and skip the cheese. You can also add extra veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers for more crunch!
