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To create a tasty Southwest Chicken Pasta Salad, gather these simple ingredients: - 2 cups cooked rotini pasta - 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 1/2 red bell pepper, diced - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1/4 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded - 1/4 cup Greek yogurt - 2 tablespoons lime juice - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - Salt and pepper to taste Choosing the right brands can make a big difference. For pasta, I recommend Barilla rotini. It holds sauce well. For canned goods, try Goya black beans and Del Monte corn. These brands offer great taste and quality. For cheese, use Cabot pepper jack for a nice kick. For yogurt, Fage Greek yogurt is creamy and rich. Lastly, extra virgin olive oil from California Olive Ranch adds flavor to your dressing. To boost your salad, consider these fun add-ins: - Avocado slices for creaminess - Jalapeños for heat - Diced cucumber for crunch - Chopped green onions for freshness - A sprinkle of lime zest for extra flavor Feel free to mix and match. These options let you customize each bite. Enjoy creating your perfect Southwest Chicken Pasta Salad! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather all your ingredients. You will need: - 2 cups cooked rotini pasta - 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 1/2 red bell pepper, diced - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1/4 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded Start by cooking the rotini pasta. Boil water, add salt, and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and cool the pasta in cold water. Next, dice the cooked chicken. Make sure the beans are rinsed and drained. Chop the bell pepper, onion, and cilantro. Halve the cherry tomatoes. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rotini pasta and diced chicken. Next, add the cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro. Mix these ingredients gently. This helps to keep the pasta from breaking. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined. This creamy dressing adds great flavor. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently. Ensure every piece gets coated. Finally, sprinkle the shredded pepper jack cheese on top. Give it one last gentle toss. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend. To cook rotini pasta just right, start with a large pot. Fill it with water and bring it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water. This helps flavor the pasta. Once the water boils, add the rotini. Cook it for about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally. Check for doneness by tasting a piece. The pasta should be firm but not hard. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water. This stops the cooking process and keeps it from getting sticky. For a burst of flavor, add fresh herbs. Cilantro and lime juice boost the taste. You can also try adding fresh avocado slices. They add creaminess and nutrition. If you like heat, consider extra chili powder or diced jalapeños. This gives a spicy kick. You can also swap the pepper jack cheese for feta cheese for a tangy twist. Mix it up and find what you like best! Making this salad ahead saves time and enhances flavor. Prepare the salad and dressing separately. Combine them just before serving. This keeps the pasta from getting soggy. Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. When serving, give it a gentle toss to mix the flavors again. Enjoy your meal with ease! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance the flavor and freshness of your pasta salad. Customize Your Protein: Feel free to substitute the chicken with grilled shrimp or tofu for a different twist on the recipe while keeping it protein-rich. Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder salad, reduce the amount of chili powder or substitute it with paprika for a smoky flavor without the heat. Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld together, making each bite more delicious. {{image_2}} To make a vegan version, swap chicken for chickpeas or tofu. Use vegan cheese instead of pepper jack. You can also replace Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt. This keeps the creamy texture while being meat-free. Add extra veggies like zucchini or avocado for more flavor. The dressing can stay the same. This version still tastes great and is full of protein. For a low-carb option, use zucchini noodles instead of rotini pasta. You can spiralize zucchini easily at home. Swap black beans for diced bell peppers or cauliflower. This adds crunch without the carbs. You can also use grilled chicken breast or shrimp for protein. Keep the dressing as is, or use a light vinaigrette. If you want to mix it up, try different dressings. A spicy salsa can add a kick. A balsamic vinaigrette gives a nice tang. A creamy avocado dressing works well, too. Each dressing gives a unique taste to the salad. You can also add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor. Feel free to experiment and find what you love! To keep your Southwest Chicken Pasta Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent drying out. Make sure to cool the salad to room temperature before sealing it. Place a piece of parchment paper between the salad and the lid for extra freshness. This can help absorb moisture and prevent sogginess. In the fridge, this pasta salad lasts about 3 to 5 days. Make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or changes color, it's best to toss it. Always use clean utensils when serving to avoid contamination. Freezing pasta salad is not always the best option due to texture changes. If you want to freeze it, skip adding the cheese and fresh veggies. Combine the pasta, chicken, and beans with the dressing. Place it in a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and add the cheese and veggies fresh before serving. Yes, you can use different types of pasta. Rotini works well because it holds the dressing. Penne or fusilli are great choices too. They have shapes that catch the flavors. You can even try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Just make sure to cook it according to the package. Let it cool before mixing with other ingredients. You can add many proteins to this salad. Grilled shrimp or steak adds a nice twist. You could also use canned tuna or chickpeas. For a lighter option, try shredded rotisserie chicken. Each protein brings its own flavor. Just remember to keep it cooked and diced for easy mixing. To spice things up, add more chili powder. You could also mix in diced jalapeños. Sliced fresh peppers give a nice crunch and heat. If you love heat, use spicy pepper jack cheese. A splash of hot sauce in the dressing works too. Adjust the spice to your liking for that perfect kick. This post covered key ingredients and brands for your salad. You learned how to prepare, mix, and dress your pasta. Our tips help you cook perfect rotini and enhance flavor. We shared variations for different diets and best storage practices. Remember, you can switch ingredients and customize flavors to fit your tastes. Enjoy experimenting with your salad for a tasty and healthy meal!

Southwest Chicken Pasta Salad

A refreshing and hearty pasta salad with a southwest twist, featuring chicken, beans, and a zesty dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Southwestern
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked rotini pasta
  • 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 0.5 red bell pepper diced
  • 0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 0.25 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
  • 0.25 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rotini pasta and diced cooked chicken.
  • Add the cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  • Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
  • Sprinkle the shredded pepper jack cheese on top and give it one final gentle toss.
  • Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Notes

Serve the salad in large bowls garnished with additional cilantro and a wedge of lime for a fresh touch. Consider placing a few slices of avocado on top for extra creaminess and visual appeal.
Keyword chicken, healthy, pasta salad, salad, southwest