Tex Mex Chicken Pasta Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What makes this Tex Mex Chicken Pasta Salad so irresistible? It’s a complete meal in one bowl. The combination of rotini pasta and tender rotisserie chicken provides the base, while the fresh veggies like bell peppers, tomatoes, and green chilies add crunch and freshness. The creamy avocado dressing, enhanced by spicy ranch seasoning and a tang of lime, ties everything together. Plus, it’s customizable – you can add or remove ingredients depending on your preferences, making it both versatile and delicious.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 1 pound rotini pasta
• 1 ½ cups cooked chicken, chopped (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 1 can (15 ¼ ounces) corn, drained
• 1 can (15 ½ ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 7 ounces green chilies, chopped
• 1 can (6 ½ ounces) black olives, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 bell pepper, green, diced
• ⅓ cup cilantro, chopped
• ⅓ cup red onion, diced
• 1 cup Mexican blend cheese, shredded

For the Dressing:

• 2 avocados, diced
• ½ cup sour cream (or Mexican crema)
• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• 3 limes, juiced
• 1 package ranch seasoning (spicy ranch flavor recommended)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta: Start by boiling the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the ingredients: While the pasta cools, chop the rotisserie chicken, dice the bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro. Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the olives, and drain and rinse the black beans and corn.
3. Make the dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine the diced avocados, sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and ranch seasoning. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
4. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, corn, black beans, green chilies, olives, tomatoes, bell pepper, cilantro, and red onion. Toss to combine.
5. Dress the salad: Pour the avocado dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
6. Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese over the top and give the salad one final gentle toss.
7. Serve: Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes about 6-8 servings, depending on portion size.
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes (for pasta)
• Chill time: 30 minutes (optional, but recommended)

Variations

• Add more protein: You can swap out the rotisserie chicken for grilled shrimp, ground beef, or even tofu for a different protein option.
• Make it spicier: Add sliced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to kick up the heat level.
• Use different vegetables: Swap the bell pepper and tomatoes for other veggies like cucumbers, avocado, or even corn salsa for a fun twist.
• Make it lighter: If you want to lighten it up, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream and use light mayo.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: The salad is best enjoyed cold and does not need reheating. However, if you have leftovers, simply give it a stir before serving.

FAQs

How long can I store this Tex Mex Chicken Pasta Salad in the fridge?

This salad will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, but it’s best eaten within 2 days for optimal freshness.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the rotini with any other pasta shape, such as penne, fusilli, or elbow macaroni.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the avocado dressing up to 2 days ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge to prevent it from browning.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?

After draining the cooked pasta, rinse it under cold water and toss it with a little olive oil to keep the pasta from sticking together.

Can I make this salad without the ranch seasoning?

Yes, if you prefer, you can omit the ranch seasoning and add your own mix of spices or use a different seasoning blend for the dressing.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free pasta, this Tex Mex Chicken Pasta Salad can easily be made gluten-free.

Can I freeze this pasta salad?

It’s not recommended to freeze the salad as the creamy dressing may not freeze well, and the vegetables may become mushy upon thawing.

Can I add more vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! You can add extra veggies such as cucumbers, zucchini, or even corn salsa to customize it to your liking.

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can cook and chop fresh chicken breast or thighs, but rotisserie chicken adds more flavor and saves time.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this salad is perfect for meal prep. Just store individual servings in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

Tex Mex Chicken Pasta Salad is an ideal dish for those who crave bold, fresh flavors in a single meal. With a perfect balance of creaminess, spice, and crunch, this recipe is great for meal prep, gatherings, or a casual weeknight dinner. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a hearty side dish, this salad delivers on all fronts. It’s quick, easy, and packed with all the flavors you love!

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