Description
This Zesty Chicken Enchilada Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender shredded chicken, rotini pasta, fresh vegetables, and a tangy, southwestern-inspired dressing. Perfectly seasoned with taco spices and balanced by creamy cheddar cheese and sour cream, this cold pasta salad is ideal for potlucks, picnics, or a refreshing weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process.
- Combine Main Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and chopped fresh cilantro.
- Add Pasta: Add the cooled rotini pasta to the bowl with the other salad ingredients, gently mixing to integrate.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, taco seasoning, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, black pepper, and salt until well combined and smooth.
- Dress Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture, tossing thoroughly to ensure even coating of all ingredients.
- Add Cheese and Cream: Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream gently to maintain the creamy texture throughout the salad.
- Chill Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
- Serve: Before serving, give the salad a quick toss to redistribute the dressing and flavors evenly.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a diced jalapeño or a pinch more chili powder.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- This salad can be made a day ahead and kept refrigerated to enhance the flavors.
- Substitute cheddar cheese with a Mexican blend for a different flavor profile.
- Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or a light main course.
