This Easy Chicken Fajita Pasta Salad mixes tasty chicken, colorful peppers, and pasta for a fun, zesty meal. It’s like a fiesta in a bowl!
The best part? It comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. I love serving it cold, so it’s great for lunch or a picnic. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bowtie Pasta: I love using bowtie pasta for its fun shape. If you don’t have it, any pasta like penne, rotini, or even shells would work well! Just cook according to package directions.
Chicken: Shredded or chopped cooked chicken makes this salad easy and tasty. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or substitute with cooked turkey or even black beans for a vegetarian option.
Black Beans: These add protein and texture. If you’re not a fan, you can swap them out for chickpeas or kidney beans, which will also work great in this dish.
Corn: Fresh or canned is fine! If you have frozen corn, make sure to thaw it first before mixing it in. You could even use roasted corn for a different taste.
Cilantro: It’s my favorite herb for this recipe, giving it a fresh taste. If you’re not a cilantro fan, parsley or green onions are great alternatives.
How Can I Make My Chicken Fajita Pasta Salad Even Better?
To really enhance the flavors of your pasta salad, follow these tips:
- Cool the Pasta: Rinse your cooked pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process. This keeps it firm and prevents clumping.
- Marinate: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving allows all the flavors to mix beautifully.
- Make it Spicy: If you like a kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the dressing.
- Texture: For extra crunch, consider adding bell peppers or chopped cucumbers to the mix for some freshness.
By paying attention to these details, your pasta salad will be a hit at any gathering! Enjoy your creating process!
Easy Chicken Fajita Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta Salad Base:
- 8 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded or chopped
Add-Ins:
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed if frozen)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup diced onions (optional)
Dressing:
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare. You’ll need an additional 30 minutes in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld together. So, set aside about 50 minutes total – but I promise it will be worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by cooking your bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process.
2. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and diced onions if you’re using them. Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese as well. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything nicely.
3. Add the Pasta:
Once your pasta is cool, add it to the bowl with the other ingredients. Carefully toss everything together until the pasta is well mixed with the chicken and the veggies.
4. Prepare the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a dash of salt and pepper. This will be your zesty dressing!
5. Combine and Toss:
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and give it a good toss to ensure every bite is full of flavor. You want everything to be coated evenly.
6. Add the Cilantro:
Finally, stir in the chopped fresh cilantro for that extra burst of freshness and flavor!
7. Chill and Serve:
Cover your bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. When you’re ready to serve, you can enjoy it chilled or at room temperature. Feel free to garnish with extra cilantro if you like!
This zesty and colorful Chicken Fajita Pasta Salad is a fantastic, quick meal perfect for lunch, a picnic, or potluck! Enjoy making it and sharing it with friends and family!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Fajita Pasta Salad
Can I Use Cooked Leftover Chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any precooked chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Just shred or chop it and mix it in with the other ingredients.
What Can I Substitute for Black Beans?
If black beans aren’t your favorite, you can easily substitute them with chickpeas or kidney beans for a similar texture and added protein. Just drain and rinse them before adding!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for up to 3 days. Simply give it a good stir before serving, as the flavors may settle.
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! This salad is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it up to a day in advance. Just make sure to keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve!
