This Chicken Fajita Pasta Salad is a colorful mix of tasty chicken, vibrant veggies, and fun pasta. It’s a fantastic dish that combines the best of fajitas in a salad form!
Perfect for warm days, it’s easy to whip up and even easier to enjoy. I love bringing this to potlucks—it’s always a hit, and I get to sneak in extra veggies! 🌶️🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I’m using farfalle, but you can switch it up with any pasta like rotini, fusilli, or penne. Just choose something that holds the dressing and veggies well!
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works great here for time-saving. If you’re vegetarian, you could swap it for chickpeas for added protein!
Black Beans: These add fiber and taste. If you don’t have black beans, kidney or pinto beans can be good substitutes. You can also use lentils for a twist!
Bell Pepper: I love colorful peppers for their crunch and sweetness. If you’re out of peppers, you can use diced carrots or even zucchini.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brings brightness. If you have lemon on hand, that works too, or try apple cider vinegar for a different tang.
How Do I Prepare the Pasta for a Salad So It’s Not Soggy?
Cooking pasta right for a salad is key! Here’s how to get that perfect texture:
- Cook the pasta just until al dente according to the package—the texture should be a bit firm.
- Once it’s done, drain it and rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools it for the salad.
- After rinsing, let it drain thoroughly to remove excess water that could make your salad soggy!
How to Make Chicken Fajita Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz farfalle pasta (or pasta of choice)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: shredded cheese (like cheddar or pepper jack) for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Chicken Fajita Pasta Salad will take about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 15 minutes cooking the pasta and mixing everything together, plus a little extra time to let it sit so the flavors blend beautifully. A quick and easy solution for a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling some water in a large pot. Once it’s bubbling, add the farfalle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. When it’s ready, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This will cool it down, so it doesn’t heat up the other ingredients. Set aside to let it drain completely.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
Grab a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked and cooled pasta, shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro. Gently stir everything together so that the ingredients are well combined.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a separate, small bowl, whisk together the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, lime juice, olive oil, and a bit of salt and pepper. This dressing will bring all the flavors to life! Make sure to taste it; adjust the seasoning if necessary to suit your taste.
4. Combine and Chill:
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad. Gently toss everything together to make sure every piece is coated with the delicious dressing. For the best flavor, let it sit for about 15-30 minutes. This helps the ingredients marry together and makes it even tastier!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s had time to sit, give it another gentle stir, check the seasoning one last time, and then it’s time to serve! You can enjoy your Chicken Fajita Pasta Salad cold or at room temperature. If you like, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top for extra flavor. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute farfalle with any pasta you prefer, like penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. Just ensure you follow the package instructions for cooking times since different pastas may vary.
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a day in advance! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent the pasta from getting soggy. Combine everything and let it chill in the fridge for the best flavor.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If it seems dry after sitting, add a splash of lime juice or olive oil when you reheat or serve it again!
What Other Add-Ins Can I Use?
You can customize this pasta salad by adding ingredients like diced avocado, jalapeños for heat, or even grilled corn for extra flavor. Just keep in mind that some additions may change the flavor profile, so mix and match according to your taste!
