This Zesty Chicken Enchilada Pasta Salad is a fun twist on classic flavors! It mixes tasty chicken, pasta, and a zesty sauce for a savory treat that’s colorful and fresh.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This twisty pasta holds on to the sauce really well. If you don’t have rotini, other pasta shapes like fusilli or penne work nicely too. Just be sure it’s a shape that can carry the dressing.
Cooked Chicken: Diced rotisserie chicken is my go-to for this salad because it saves time. You can also use leftover grilled chicken or even shredded turkey for a different flavor!
Black Beans: They add protein and texture. If you’re not a fan, try kidney beans or chickpeas for a different taste and a good crunch.
Cilantro: This herb brings freshness. If you’re not a cilantro lover, parsley is a great substitute or just leave it out entirely. You’ll still have a zesty salad!
Enchilada Sauce: The sauce gives this dish its defining flavor. Use store-bought for convenience, or make your own if you have the time. You can adjust spice levels by choosing red or green sauce.
How Do I Get the Perfect Pasta Texture?
The key to great pasta salad is to cook the pasta just right. Cooking it al dente means you’ll have a nice bite to your pasta, which holds up better when mixed with other ingredients.
- Start boiling salted water and cook the rotini until just tender, about 8-10 minutes.
- Once cooked, drain and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep it from getting mushy.
- Let it cool completely before adding it to your salad to keep everything fresh.
How to Make Zesty Chicken Enchilada Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, diced (optional for heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For The Dressing:
- 1 cup enchilada sauce (red or green)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Lime wedges
- Additional cilantro (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an extra 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. So, in just under an hour, you’ll have a refreshing dish ready to enjoy!
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 in a colander and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This helps stop the cooking process and keeps the pasta from being sticky.
2. Combine Main Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled rotini pasta along with the diced chicken, black beans, corn, red onion, jalapeño (if you like a little heat), and chopped cilantro. Stir everything together gently to mix well.
3. Prepare the Dressing:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the enchilada sauce, sour cream, lime juice, salt, and pepper until you have a smooth dressing. This will give your pasta salad a zesty kick!
4. Mix Everything Together:
Pour the dressing over your pasta mixture. Toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated with the delicious sauce. It’s okay to get a little messy here—it’s all part of the fun!
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover the mixing bowl and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. This will help all the flavors come together nicely. When you’re ready to serve, give it a quick toss again and garnish with lime wedges and extra cilantro, if desired. Enjoy your tasty salad cold!
Can I Use Leftover Cooked Chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure it’s diced into bite-sized pieces and chilled before mixing it into the salad.
What Can I Substitute for Enchilada Sauce?
If you don’t have enchilada sauce, you can use salsa or taco sauce instead. For a creamier version, mix salsa with a little bit of sour cream to achieve a similar flavor profile!
How to Store Leftover Pasta Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, but you might want to add a splash of lime juice before serving to freshen it up!
