This zesty chicken enchilada pasta salad is a fun twist on classic flavors! It’s packed with chicken, fresh veggies, and a tangy dressing that brings everything together.
I love how easy this salad is to whip up—just mix, chill, and enjoy! Perfect for a warm day or as a yummy side at picnics. Plus, who doesn’t love a little spice? 🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I love using rotini for its ability to hold onto dressings and flavors well. If you’re out of rotini, you can use any pasta shape you have on hand, like fusilli, penne, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist.
Cooked Chicken: Using cooked chicken makes this salad super quick to prepare. Rotisserie chicken is an easy option! If you’re vegetarian, try replacing chicken with chickpeas or tofu for protein.
Black Beans: Black beans add both texture and protein. If you want a lighter option, you can use kidney beans or even corn instead of beans if you’re avoiding legumes.
Corn: Fresh corn is great, but frozen or canned corn works just as well. If you’re avoiding corn, diced bell peppers or peas add some sweetness and crunch.
Spices: The chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika provide that zesty flavor! Feel free to adjust them to your taste. If you’re out of smoked paprika, regular paprika works, or you could even try taco seasoning for a different spin.
How Do I Make Sure the Pasta Salad is Flavorful?
To really bring out the flavors in your pasta salad, follow these steps:
- Make sure to season your pasta water well with salt. This adds flavor right from the start.
- Once the pasta is cooked, rinsing it under cold water stops the cooking process and prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Coat your chicken in the spice mixture thoroughly. Warming it briefly in a skillet before mixing enhances the flavors.
- Don’t skip the dressing! Whisking olive oil with lime juice adds a fresh zing. Adjust to your taste for the right balance of tanginess.
- Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes. This resting time helps all the flavors meld together beautifully!
With these tips, you’ll have a delicious and zesty chicken enchilada pasta salad that everyone will love! Enjoy! 🌟
Easy Zesty Chicken Enchilada Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz rotini pasta (about 2 cups dry)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (remove seeds for less heat, optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- Lime wedges (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare. After mixing everything together, let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend beautifully. So, overall, you’re looking at about 50 minutes until you’re ready to enjoy your salad!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set it aside for later.
2. Mix the Spices:
In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This will add a tasty kick to your chicken!
3. Season the Chicken:
Take your cooked chicken and toss it in the spice mix until it’s well coated. If you’d like, you can warm the chicken in a skillet for about 2-3 minutes to really enhance those flavors.
4. Combine All Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, seasoned chicken, black beans, corn, diced red onion, jalapeño slices, and chopped cilantro. Give it a gentle mix to combine everything.
5. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lime juice. This will be your zesty dressing that ties all those delicious flavors together!
6. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss everything together so that the ingredients are evenly coated.
7. Taste and Adjust:
Take a taste of your salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or lime juice if you want a bit more zest!
8. Chill Time:
Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows all those great flavors to meld together beautifully.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, garnish with a bit more cilantro and some lime wedges on the side for squeezing over individual servings. Enjoy this refreshing and zesty salad!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding onto the dressing, you can swap it for any pasta you have on hand, like penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
What If I Don’t Have Cooked Chicken?
No problem! You can easily use a store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience, or substitute it with chickpeas or diced tofu if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving, as the dressing may settle at the bottom.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Yes! If you prefer a milder flavor, simply omit the jalapeño or remove the seeds before slicing. You can also reduce the amount of chili powder and cumin to suit your taste.
