This Easy Zesty Chicken Enchilada Pasta Salad combines tasty chicken, pasta, and colorful veggies with a zesty dressing. It’s a fun twist on traditional enchiladas!
This dish is perfect for warm days when you want something light and full of flavor. I love to sprinkle a bit of cheese on top and enjoy it for lunch or dinner. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: Rotini is great for holding onto the dressing. If you don’t have it, try penne, fusilli, or any pasta you enjoy. Just ensure it’s bite-sized!
Cooked Chicken: I love using rotisserie chicken for a quick option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you could swap it with diced avocado or more beans!
Corn: Fresh corn adds sweetness, but canned or frozen corn works just fine. I often use frozen; just thaw it first!
Jalapeño: If you’re sensitive to heat, feel free to skip the jalapeño or use a bell pepper for added color without spiciness.
Dressing: Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a healthier twist. You can also use a ranch seasoning packet instead of taco seasoning for a different flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Pasta for Salad?
Cooking pasta perfectly is key for a great salad. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a large pot and plenty of salted water to cook the pasta.
- Add the pasta and stir occasionally, cooking until just al dente. Check the package for timing!
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps keep the pasta from getting too soft.
This technique will leave you with perfectly textured pasta that won’t become mushy in your salad!
Easy Zesty Chicken Enchilada Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Salad:
- 3 cups rotini pasta (uncooked)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional for heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese (optional)
For the Zesty Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
- 1 lime, juiced (about 2 tbsp lime juice)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing pasta salad takes about 10 minutes to prep, plus 30 minutes of chilling time in the refrigerator. Overall, you can have it ready in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a little salt for flavor. Once the water is boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions, until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to cool it down quickly. Set aside.
2. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
In a big bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced cooked chicken, corn, black beans, diced red onion, jalapeño slices (if using), and chopped cilantro. Gently stir everything together so it’s well mixed.
3. Prepare the Zesty Dressing:
In another bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, taco seasoning, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Make sure it’s smooth and well blended.
4. Combine the Dressing and Salad:
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Toss everything together gently, making sure all the ingredients are coated in that zesty dressing.
5. Add Cheese and Chill:
If you’d like, fold in the shredded cheese now or save it as a topping when you serve. Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend beautifully!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, take the pasta salad out of the fridge. Give it a gentle toss, and add extra cilantro and lime wedges if you’d like for garnish. Enjoy this delicious salad cold or at room temperature!
Enjoy your fresh, flavorful and easy-to-make Zesty Chicken Enchilada Pasta Salad!
FAQ for Easy Zesty Chicken Enchilada Pasta Salad
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini holds the dressing well, you can substitute it with any pasta you have on hand, like penne or farfalle. Just make sure it’s a shape that’s easy to mix and eat!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and increase the amount of black beans and corn, or add some diced avocado for creaminess. You could also incorporate additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini!
Can I Prepare This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! This pasta salad can be made up to a day in advance. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a gentle stir before serving, and consider adding a little fresh lime juice to revive the flavors!
