This Chicken Fajita Pasta Salad combines yummy pasta, tender chicken, and colorful veggies. Toss it all together with a zesty dressing for a fun and filling meal!
If you’re like me, you might want to add a little extra cheese on top—because who can resist that? This dish is perfect for lunch or a picnic with friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Farfalle Pasta: This bowtie pasta is great for catching sauce and adds a fun shape! If you don’t have farfalle, you can easily swap it for any short pasta like penne or rotini.
Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken is a must-have. Rotisserie chicken works well if you want to save time. You can also use leftover grilled chicken or even diced tofu for a vegetarian option.
Black Beans: They add protein and fiber. If you’re not a fan of black beans, consider using chickpeas or kidney beans instead for a different twist.
Corn: Fresh corn is delicious, but frozen corn is convenient and quick. If neither is available, canned corn can work too—just remember to drain it well.
Cilantro: This herb gives a fresh taste, but if you’re not a fan, you could use parsley or skip it entirely. Some say fresh basil offers a nice twist too!
How Do I Make My Chicken Fajita Pasta Salad Taste Amazing?
The key to a flavorful pasta salad lies in the dressing and how you mix the ingredients. Start by ensuring your pasta is cooled down; rinsing under cold water helps. This prevents it from clumping.
- Whisk the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper well. This dressing packs a punch!
- Combine all ingredients gently, ensuring each piece is coated with the dressing. This way, every bite is bursting with flavor.
- Don’t skip the chilling step! Letting the salad sit for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to mingle beautifully.
For extra creamy goodness, consider adding avocado just before serving. It makes each bite smooth and delicious!
How to Make Chicken Fajita Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Salad:
- 8 oz farfalle (bowtie) pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced (mix of red and green for color)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lime juice
For Garnishing (Optional):
- Avocado slices
- Additional cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Fajita Pasta Salad will take about 20 minutes to prep and cook. After mixing everything together, it’s good to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so all the flavors come together. In total, you’re looking at around 50 minutes before you can dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the farfalle pasta according to the instructions on the package. Once it’s done, drain it well and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set the pasta aside.
2. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, red onion, bell peppers, and chopped cilantro. Give it a good stir to mix everything together.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. This is your tasty dressing! Make sure everything is well blended.
4. Toss it All Together:
Pour the dressing over your pasta salad mixture and toss everything nicely until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Taste and Adjust:
Give your salad a taste. If you feel it needs more flavor, you can add a bit more salt, pepper, or lime juice to suit your taste.
6. Chill Before Serving:
Cover the salad and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will help all the flavors mix and taste better!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, take the salad out of the fridge and garnish it with avocado slices and extra cilantro if you like. Enjoy your delicious and refreshing Chicken Fajita Pasta Salad!
Can I Use Different Pasta in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While farfalle gives a nice shape and texture, you can substitute it with any pasta you have on hand, such as penne, rotini, or even gluten-free options. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for your chosen pasta.
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Cilantro?
If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can use parsley, which adds a fresh flavor. Alternatively, you could skip the herbs altogether or try basil for a different twist! Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, give it a good stir as the ingredients may settle, and you can add a splash of lime juice to refresh the flavor!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, this pasta salad is great for meal prep! You can make it a day in advance. Just be sure to wait to add any avocado slices until just before serving to keep them fresh and looking good!
