This Easy Zesty Chicken Enchilada Pasta Salad packs a punch with its bold flavors! Made with tender chicken, pasta, and zesty enchilada sauce, it’s a fun twist on a classic dish.
I love how colorful it is—like a fiesta in a bowl! 🌈 Plus, it’s a breeze to make ahead for busy days. Just mix it up and enjoy this tasty salad anytime!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This spiral shape holds the sauce nicely. If you prefer a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta or even quinoa for a healthy twist!
Cooked Chicken Breast: I often use rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you’re vegetarian, consider adding cubed tofu or chickpeas instead.
Black Beans: These add protein and fiber! If you don’t have black beans, kidney beans or pinto beans work great too.
Jalapeños: Adjust these according to your heat preference. If you like it milder, use bell peppers or omit them altogether.
Enchilada Sauce: Store-bought works well, but if you have time, homemade enchilada sauce can elevate the flavors. You can also use salsa for a different taste!
How Do I Cook the Perfect Pasta for This Salad?
Cooking pasta is simple, but there are a few tricks to keep it perfect for salads. Here’s how to do it:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil before adding the rotini. This enhances the pasta’s flavor.
- Cook it until just al dente, which means it should have a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta can become mushy in salads!
- After draining, rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.
- Spread it out on a tray to cool completely before mixing it with the other ingredients.
These steps will help you achieve a perfect pasta salad that everyone’s going to love! Happy cooking!
Easy Zesty Chicken Enchilada Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 8 oz rotini pasta (about 2 cups uncooked)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1-2 jalapeños, thinly sliced (adjust for desired heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 cup zesty enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: lime wedges for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes of chilling time in the refrigerator. Perfect for a quick meal or a tasty side dish at your next gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (cooked but still firm). After draining the pasta, rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly. Set it aside.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the diced chicken, black beans, corn, finely chopped red onion, sliced jalapeños, and chopped cilantro. Give everything a gentle stir to mix it well.
3. Add the Sauce:
Pour the zesty enchilada sauce over the pasta mixture. Carefully toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the sauce.
4. Season the Salad:
Squeeze the fresh lime juice over the salad. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then toss again to ensure even seasoning.
5. Chill Before Serving:
Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. This not only helps the flavors meld together but also makes the salad refreshing.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, give the salad a final toss to mix everything again. Garnish with lime wedges if you like. Enjoy your flavorful, colorful pasta salad at any meal or gathering!
This salad is sure to delight everyone with its vibrant flavors and textures. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions about Easy Zesty Chicken Enchilada Pasta Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand works perfectly. Just make sure to dice it into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add additional beans or other protein sources like diced tofu or tempeh. You can also use chickpeas for added texture and flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as some sauce may settle at the bottom.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level in This Salad?
Yes! You can easily control the heat by adjusting the number of jalapeños or replacing them with milder peppers, like bell peppers. If you like it spicy, consider adding some diced fresh chili or a dash of hot sauce!
