This Easy Zesty Chicken Enchilada Pasta Salad is a fun mix of chicken, pasta, and bright flavors. It’s quick to make and brings a fiesta to your table!
What’s great is how colorful and tasty it is—perfect for lunch or dinner. I love tossing in some extra toppings like cheese and avocado for a yummy finish! 🌮🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This spiral shape holds the dressing well, but any pasta can work. Penne or fusilli are good alternatives if rotini isn’t available.
Cooked Chicken: I love using leftover rotisserie chicken for its juicy flavor. For a lighter option, grilled chicken breast or even canned chicken can work great!
Black Beans: Canned black beans are convenient and nutritious. If you’re avoiding beans, try chickpeas for a different twist—just as filling!
Corn Kernels: Fresh corn adds sweetness, but frozen or canned corn can be just as good. They’re both easy to use and nutritious!
Jalapeño: If you want a milder salad, skip this or use bell pepper instead. For more heat, add sliced serrano peppers.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: If dairy is a concern, avocado could replace it, adding creaminess. Non-dairy yogurt is another option if needed.
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Salad Stays Fresh?
To ensure your pasta salad maintains its freshness, chilling is key! Here’s how:
- Make sure to cool the pasta properly after cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Use fresh ingredients for maximum flavor and texture.
- Since the salad gets better as it sits, chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- If you’re preparing it a day in advance, add ingredients like avocado just before serving to keep them fresh!
Easy Zesty Chicken Enchilada Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups rotini pasta (uncooked)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1/2 cup salsa (choose your preferred spice level)
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: lime wedges, additional cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare and an additional 30 minutes to chill. So, in total, you can have this tasty pasta salad ready in about 50 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (cooked but still firm). Once done, drain it and rinse under cold water to cool it down. This helps stop the cooking process and keeps the pasta from getting mushy. Set it aside for later.
2. Combine Your Ingredients:
Grab a large bowl and add in the cooled pasta, diced chicken, black beans, corn, chopped red onion, jalapeño slices (if you’re using them), and chopped cilantro. Toss everything together gently so it’s well mixed.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, salsa, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. This dressing will add a zesty kick to your pasta salad!
4. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss everything together again until it’s all well coated. You want every bite to burst with flavor!
5. Chill and Meld the Flavors:
Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps all those delicious flavors meld together beautifully.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, give the salad a good stir. If you like, garnish it with extra lime wedges and cilantro. Serve it cold or at room temperature, and get ready to enjoy your flavorful, zesty chicken enchilada pasta salad!
FAQ: Easy Zesty Chicken Enchilada Pasta Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Just make sure it’s diced into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing.
What If I Don’t Like Spicy Food?
No problem! You can omit the jalapeño or use a milder pepper instead. Additionally, choose a mild salsa, or reduce the amount used to keep the heat at bay.
How Long Will This Salad Last in the Fridge?
This pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving again since some separation can occur.
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, simply swap the chicken for a plant-based protein like chickpeas or diced tofu, use vegan yogurt instead of sour cream, and ensure the salsa is vegan-friendly. Enjoy a fresh and delicious plant-based twist!
