This colorful pasta salad is a fun twist on classic enchiladas! Filled with tender chicken, zesty spices, and fresh veggies, it’s sure to tickle your taste buds!
Throw everything together in one bowl, and you’ve got a meal that’s quick and easy. Perfect for summer picnics or a busy weeknight dinner—who doesn’t love that? 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I love using rotini because its twists hold onto flavor and dressing. If you don’t have rotini, any pasta shape will work—penne or fusilli would be great replacements!
Cooked Chicken: Diced rotisserie chicken makes this dish super easy. If you’re vegetarian, you can substitute with black beans or chickpeas for protein.
Black Beans: These add a nice texture and extra protein. If black beans are unavailable, kidney beans or pinto beans are tasty alternatives.
Corn: Fresh, canned, or even frozen corn works! I find canned corn super convenient. You can swap it with diced bell peppers for a different crunch.
Jalapeños: Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance. For a mild version, omit them or use bell peppers instead.
How Do You Make the Best Dressing for This Salad?
The dressing truly brings this pasta salad to life! Start by mixing lime juice with ranch dressing and the spice blend. The acidity from the lime adds freshness, while the ranch provides creaminess.
- Combine all spices into a small bowl before adding them to help evenly distribute the flavor.
- After mixing, taste and customize by adding more lime juice or dressing for your desired creaminess and zing.
- Letting the salad chill allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
Enjoy crafting this zesty pasta salad, which is perfect for any occasion!
Easy Zesty Chicken Enchilada Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Protein:
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
Beans and Veggies:
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup canned corn, drained
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1-2 jalapeños, sliced (adjust for spice preference)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Dressing and Spices:
- Juice of 1 lime (plus extra lime wedges for serving)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing or your favorite creamy dressing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious and zesty pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prep and another 30 minutes to chill. In under an hour, you’ll have a refreshing dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly. Set it aside.
2. Combine the Base Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta, diced chicken breast, drained black beans, corn, chopped red onion, sliced jalapeños, and chopped cilantro. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together.
3. Mix the Seasoning:
In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This will be the flavor boost for your salad!
4. Season the Salad:
Sprinkle the spice mixture over the pasta salad ingredients. Toss everything well to ensure the pasta and veggies are evenly coated with the spices.
5. Add Dressing and Lime Juice:
Pour the ranch dressing and lime juice over the salad. Gently mix it all together until every ingredient is well-coated with the dressing and seasoning. Be careful not to mush up the ingredients!
6. Taste and Adjust:
Now it’s time to taste your creation! Adjust any seasonings if needed by adding a bit more salt, pepper, or lime juice to suit your preference.
7. Chill and Serve:
Cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld beautifully. When ready to serve, dish it out cold and garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges.
Enjoy your delightful Easy Zesty Chicken Enchilada Pasta Salad, perfect for any gathering or just a refreshing meal at home!
FAQ for Easy Zesty Chicken Enchilada Pasta Salad
Can I Use Different Pasta Types?
Absolutely! While rotini works great for this salad, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you have on hand, like penne or fusilli. Just be sure to cook it according to the package instructions!
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this salad vegetarian! Swap out the chicken for additional black beans or chickpeas for a protein boost. You can also add extra veggies like bell peppers or avocado for more flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving, as the dressing may thicken after chilling.
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the salad a day ahead of time. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. This also allows the flavors to blend even more, making it taste even better!
