Zesty Tex Mex Chicken Pasta Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful & Filling: A hearty combination of chicken, pasta, and fresh vegetables, all coated in a tangy dressing.

• Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Ideal for preparing in advance for picnics, potlucks, or busy weeknights.

• Versatile: Enjoy it as a main dish or a side salad.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound rotini pasta

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)

• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/4 cup red onion, diced

• 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped

• 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese

• 1 small avocado, diced (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 1/2 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt

• 1/4 cup light mayonnaise

• Juice of 1 lime

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

2. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.

3. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chicken, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and shredded cheese.

4. Add Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

5. Add Avocado: If using, gently fold in the diced avocado.

6. Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Servings and timing

• Servings: Approximately 8

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Chill time: 1 hour

• Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for extra heat.

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add extra beans or grilled vegetables.

• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese and mayonnaise alternatives.

• Add Greens: Toss in some chopped lettuce or spinach for added freshness.

• Grilled Flavor: Grill the chicken before adding it to the salad for a smoky taste.

storage/reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture may change upon thawing.

• Reheating: This salad is best served cold. If you prefer it warm, gently reheat the chicken and serve it alongside the salad.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option for this salad.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free pasta, this salad can be made gluten-free.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

How can I make it spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, a splash of hot sauce, or increase the amount of chili powder in the dressing.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to substitute with penne, bowtie, or any pasta shape you prefer.

Is the avocado necessary?

No, the avocado is optional but adds a creamy texture and fresh flavor.

Can I omit the cheese?

Yes, you can omit the cheese for a lighter version or to accommodate dietary preferences.

How do I prevent the avocado from browning?

Toss the diced avocado with a little lime juice before adding it to the salad.

Can I use canned corn?

Yes, canned corn works perfectly; just be sure to drain and rinse it well.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this salad is great for meal prep and can be portioned into individual servings for the week.

Conclusion

Zesty Tex Mex Chicken Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, offering a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and delicious. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a picnic, or a potluck, this salad is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the vibrant tastes of Tex-Mex cuisine in a refreshing and hearty salad form.

Zesty Tex Mex Chicken Pasta Salad

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Zesty Tex Mex Chicken Pasta Salad is a vibrant and satisfying salad combining tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and hearty pasta, all tossed in a creamy, zesty dressing. It’s perfect for summer gatherings, meal prep, or a flavorful weeknight dinner.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: undefined
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: undefined
• Category: Salad
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Ingredients

1. 1 pound rotini pasta
   
   2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
   
   1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
   
   1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
   
   1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
   
   1/4 cup red onion, diced
   
   1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
   
   1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
   
   1 small avocado, diced (optional)
   
   For the Dressing:
   1/2 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt
   
   1/4 cup light mayonnaise
   
   Juice of 1 lime
   
   1 tablespoon ground cumin
   
   1 teaspoon chili powder
   
   1 teaspoon smoked paprika
   
   1 teaspoon salt
   
   1 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

1. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chicken, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and shredded cheese.
3. Add Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
4. Add Avocado: If using, gently fold in the diced avocado.
5. Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

1. Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for extra heat.
2. Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add extra beans or grilled vegetables.
3. Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese and mayonnaise alternatives.
4. Add Greens: Toss in some chopped lettuce or spinach for added freshness.
5. Grilled Flavor: Grill the chicken before adding it to the salad for a smoky taste.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 45mg