This Zesty Chicken Enchilada Pasta Salad is a fun twist on classic flavors! It’s packed with tender chicken, colorful veggies, and a tasty dressing that gives it a spicy kick.
You can serve it cold, making it perfect for warm days or potlucks. I love how easy it is to whip up and enjoy with friends—who doesn’t love a little zesty goodness? 🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: Rotini holds dressing well and adds a fun twist to pasta salads. If you don’t have rotini, any short pasta like fusilli or penne works great, too.
Cooked Chicken: Diced rotisserie chicken is super convenient for this recipe. You can use grilled chicken or even leftover chicken from a previous meal for added flavor.
Black Beans: They add protein and fiber. If you’re looking for alternatives, chickpeas or kidney beans also work well. Just remember to rinse them too!
Rice instead of Pasta: For a gluten-free option, try using brown rice or quinoa instead of pasta. It’ll change the texture but still tastes delicious.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice kicks up the flavor. If you’re out of limes, lemon juice can be a good substitute. Just be cautious with the quantity.
Jalapeño: This adds a spicy kick, but if you’re not a fan of heat, feel free to leave it out. Alternatively, add a pinch of cayenne pepper for subtle heat.
How Do I Make Sure the Dressing is Perfectly Mixed In?
The dressing is crucial for bringing all flavors together, so it needs to be well-blended. Here’s a simple method to ensure it coats the salad evenly:
- In a small bowl, whisk the lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until combined.
- To help it mix in better, drizzle the dressing over the salad while gently tossing. This ensures every bite is flavorful.
- After mixing, let it chill in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld perfectly, enhancing the taste when served.
How to Make Zesty Chicken Enchilada Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional for heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Lime wedges for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes of chilling time in the fridge. In total, you’ll be ready to dig in in just about 50 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Once the water is bubbling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. When done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This helps stop the cooking so it doesn’t get mushy. Set the pasta aside to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the diced cooked chicken, black beans, corn, diced red onion, bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced jalapeño (if you like it spicy!). This colorful mix will be the heart of your pasta salad.
3. Combine with Pasta:
Once your rotini pasta is cooled, gently fold it into the bowl with the chicken and veggie mixture. This way, each bite will have a nice mix of flavors and textures.
4. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the juice of one lime, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This zesty dressing will bring all the flavors together beautifully!
5. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss everything gently until the pasta and ingredients are well coated. Be careful not to break the pasta!
6. Add the Fresh Cilantro:
Fold in the chopped fresh cilantro, which adds a wonderful burst of flavor and freshness to the salad.
7. Chill Before Serving:
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can blend together nicely.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, give the salad a quick toss again. Garnish each plate with a lime wedge on the side for an extra zesty kick. Enjoy your refreshing Zesty Chicken Enchilada Pasta Salad!
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat or gluten-free rotini for a healthier or gluten-free option. Just follow the cooking instructions based on the type of pasta you choose, as different pastas may have different cooking times.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken?
If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, try using diced tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken. This will keep the salad hearty while making it meat-free! Just make sure to season them well to match the flavor profile of the dish.
How Long Can I Keep This Salad in the Fridge?
This pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving, and if it seems dry, add a splash of olive oil or lime juice to refresh it.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! This recipe is very flexible. Feel free to add other veggies like cucumber, avocado, or even grated carrots for extra crunch and flavor. Just be mindful of the water content in some vegetables, as they can make the salad watery over time.
