This Zesty Chicken Enchilada Pasta Salad is a yummy dish packed with flavor! It combines tender chicken, pasta, and bold spices, making it a fun twist on the classic enchilada.
Perfect for lunch or a picnic, this salad is colorful and fresh. I love to sprinkle some cheese on top for extra yumminess. Who can resist cheese, right? 🧀
Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: Rotini is great for holding onto the dressing, but you could swap it out for penne or fusilli if you prefer. Whole wheat pasta is also a healthy option.
Chicken: I love using leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, feel free to replace chicken with diced avocado or more black beans.
Black Beans: These beans add protein and fiber. If you don’t have black beans, pinto beans or kidney beans will work just as well.
Corn: Frozen corn is convenient and works perfectly here. If you’re using canned, make sure to drain it well. You can also use fresh corn when it’s in season!
Cheese: I recommend cheddar or Monterey Jack for a nice creamy texture. For a dairy-free alternative, try using nutritional yeast or vegan cheese.
Jalapeño: This adds a kick! If you want less heat, omit it or mix in bell pepper for crunch. You could even use pickled jalapeños for an extra zing.
How do I make sure my pasta salad has the best flavor?
To enhance the flavors, here’s a step-by-step guide. First, rinse your cooked pasta under cold water. This stops the cooking and keeps it firm. Then, make sure you slice veggies, like the red onion and jalapeños, into small pieces for even distribution in every bite.
- Combine everything in a large bowl gently to avoid breaking up the pasta.
- When whisking the dressing, let it sit for a few minutes. This helps the spices meld together.
- Toss the dressing over the salad thoroughly so all ingredients are coated.
- Let it chill for 30 minutes in the fridge. This really helps the flavors come together!
How to Make Zesty Chicken Enchilada Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Salad:
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional for heat)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
For the Dressing:
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Zesty Chicken Enchilada Pasta Salad will take about 20 minutes to prepare. If you choose to refrigerate it for 30 minutes afterward to enhance the flavors, the total time will round up to about 50 minutes. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a pot of water. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy!
2. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, throw in the cooked rotini, diced cooked chicken, black beans, corn, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, optional jalapeño slices, and shredded cheese. Give it a good stir to mix everything together nicely!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the juice from the 2 limes, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix it well until everything is combined, and it looks nice and smooth.
4. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Gently toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Taste it and add more salt or pepper if desired!
5. Serve or Chill:
You can serve this colorful pasta salad right away, or for even better flavor, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before serving! It’s a delightfully zesty dish that everyone will enjoy. Dig in!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Gluten-free rotini pasta works perfectly in this dish. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package, as cooking times may vary. Rinse it under cold water afterward to stop the cooking process just like you would with regular pasta.
What Can I Substitute for Cooked Chicken?
If you don’t have cooked chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken is an excellent substitute. You can also use cooked quinoa or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the seasonings to enhance the flavors of your replacement ingredient!
How Long Does This Pasta Salad Stay Fresh?
This pasta salad can last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days in an airtight container. The flavors develop even more after a day, but be prepared for the veggies to soften a bit. Give it a good toss before serving again!
Can I Prepare This Salad the Night Before?
Yes, you can make it ahead of time! Just prepare everything and store it in the fridge. However, for the best texture, add the cheese and cilantro right before serving to keep them fresh. If you want to make the dressing in advance, that works too—just give it a quick whisk before tossing!
