This Zesty Chicken Enchilada Pasta Salad is a fun mix of flavors! It combines tender pasta, juicy chicken, and spicy enchilada sauce for a tasty dish that’s perfect for any gathering.
Honestly, it’s like a party in a bowl! I love how easy it is to whip up. Plus, it’s great for meal prep—just make it once and enjoy it all week. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This spiral shape holds onto the dressing and ingredients well. If you can’t find rotini, penne or fusilli work nicely too. Gluten-free pasta is an option if you’re avoiding gluten.
Cooked Chicken: Diced rotisserie chicken is my go-to for convenience. However, any cooked chicken works, even leftovers from a previous meal! If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, swap it for extra beans or grilled veggies.
Black Beans: They add protein and texture. If you’re out of black beans, pinto beans or even chickpeas can be good substitutes based on taste preference.
Corn: Both canned and frozen corn are fine. If you want a fresh twist, you can grill corn on the cob, then cut the kernels off for added flavor.
Jalapeño: Use this for a kick! If you’re sensitive to spice, leave it out or replace it with a mild pepper like a green bell pepper.
Enchilada Sauce: This gives your salad its zesty flavor. If you want a different taste, a salsa verde or even a homemade sauce can be a tasty alternative.
How Do You Make Sure the Pasta Salad is Perfectly Seasoned?
Getting the seasoning right can be tricky but is essential for a great pasta salad. Seasoning should be done in layers for the best flavor. Here’s how:
- Ensure your pasta is adequately salted while cooking. This gives it a solid base flavor.
- In your dressing, add spices like chili powder and cumin—all great for adding depth.
- Taste as you mix! After combining everything, adjust the lime juice, salt, and pepper to suit your taste.
- Chilling the salad helps the flavors mingle, so don’t skip that part!
With those tips, your pasta salad is sure to shine! Enjoy crunching through this fresh dish!
How to Make Zesty Chicken Enchilada Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Salad:
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño, diced (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For The Dressing:
- 1 cup enchilada sauce (red or green)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lime wedges for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and you should chill it for at least 30 minutes before serving. So, you’re looking at about 45 minutes total to enjoy this tasty dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook The Pasta:
Start by boiling a pot of water and cook the rotini pasta according to the instructions on the package. Once it’s cooked, drain it and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This stops the cooking process and helps the pasta from getting mushy.
2. Mix The Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced chicken, black beans, corn, diced red bell pepper, jalapeño (if you want a bit of heat), red onion, and cilantro. Give it a good stir to mix everything evenly.
3. Create The Dressing:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the enchilada sauce, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and some salt and pepper. This dressing will bring all the flavors together!
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the dressing over your pasta salad mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly. It’s important to be gentle so that you don’t break the pasta or other ingredients.
5. Chill and Serve:
Taste your salad and adjust any seasoning if needed—maybe a bit more lime juice or spices to your liking. Once you’re happy with the flavors, cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, dish it out and garnish with lime wedges and extra cilantro if you like!
Enjoy your zesty chicken enchilada pasta salad!
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta Instead?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat or gluten-free pasta directly in this recipe. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package, as different types of pasta may require varying cooking times.
What Can I Substitute For Cooked Chicken?
If you want a meatless option, you can use diced avocado or extra black beans instead. For a different protein, shredded rotisserie chicken or grilled shrimp will work beautifully as well. Just make sure it’s cooked before adding it to the salad!
How Do I Store Leftovers of This Pasta Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, but keep in mind that the pasta may soak up some of the dressing. If it looks dry, you can add a little more enchilada sauce or lime juice before serving.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, this salad is perfect for meal prep! You can make it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just remember to keep the lime wedges separate until serving to maintain their fresh flavor!
