This Easy Zesty Chicken Enchilada Pasta Salad brings all the bold flavors of enchiladas into a fun salad! It features pasta, juicy chicken, spicy salsa, and cheese packed with flavor.
If you ever made a salad you wanted to eat straight from the bowl, this is it! I love how it can be made ahead, so it’s perfect for picnics or hearty lunches. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: Rotini’s twists are great for holding onto the dressing. You can swap it with penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just adjust cooking times as required by the package!
Chicken: I like using rotisserie chicken for easy preparation. If you’re vegetarian, try using grilled tofu or chickpeas for protein instead!
Black Beans: These add a nice texture and protein. You can swap them for pinto beans or kidney beans if that’s what you have on hand.
Jalapeños: They bring a kick! For a milder flavor, use bell peppers or skip them entirely. You could also add more heat with spicy salsa or hot sauce instead.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds brightness, but if you’re not a fan, parsley is a great alternative. You could skip it altogether too!
How Do I Ensure My Pasta Salad is Flavorful?
Making a flavorful pasta salad is all about balancing the ingredients and dressings. Follow these tips to keep your pasta salad delicious:
- Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente, as it will absorb flavors from the dressing.
- Cool the pasta quickly under cold water to stop cooking and prevent mushiness.
- Mix dressing ingredients well to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
- Taste it before serving, adjusting seasoning or dressing if needed for that perfect flavor!
Easy Zesty Chicken Enchilada Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Salad:
- 8 oz rotini pasta (about 2 cups uncooked)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed or shredded
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1-2 jalapeños, thinly sliced (seeds removed for less heat if desired)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup salsa (use your favorite variety)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For Garnish:
- Lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes for chilling in the fridge. So, you can get everything ready quickly, and let it cool so all the delicious flavors mix together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This means it should still have a little bite to it! Then, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This will cool it down and stop the cooking process. Set the pasta aside.
2. Mixing the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the cooked chicken, black beans, thawed corn, chopped red onion, sliced jalapeños, and shredded cheese. This is where all the tasty flavors come together!
3. Preparing the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the salsa, olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is nicely combined.
4. Combining Everything:
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss everything together to coat it evenly with the dressing. Be careful not to break up the pasta or chicken too much!
5. Adding Fresh Ingredients:
Now, stir in the chopped cilantro, giving it one last gentle mix. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if you think it needs a little more salt or pepper.
6. Chilling the Salad:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows all the flavors to blend beautifully.
7. Serving:
When you’re ready to serve, give the salad a good stir and dish it out into bowls. Garnish with fresh lime wedges and extra cilantro if you like. Enjoy your zesty pasta salad!
This zesty, flavorful salad is perfect for lunch, potlucks, or a quick weeknight meal. Give it a try, and you might just find it becomes a favorite dish!
FAQ about Easy Zesty Chicken Enchilada Pasta Salad
Can I Use Any Type of Pasta for This Salad?
Absolutely! While rotini is a great choice because its shape holds the dressing well, feel free to substitute with other pasta such as fusilli, penne, or even gluten-free options. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, but the pasta may soak up some dressing, so you might want to add a splash of salsa or olive oil when you reheat it or serve it cold!
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Ahead of Time?
Definitely! This salad is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it a day in advance and let it chill in the fridge. This allows the flavors to develop, making it even tastier when you’re ready to enjoy it!
What Can I Substitute for Chicken?
If you want a vegetarian option, you can replace the chicken with grilled tofu, chickpeas, or even corn for added texture. You can also add some diced bell peppers or avocado for extra flavor!
