Looking for a flavorful and satisfying meal that combines the zesty flavors of Mexican cuisine with the comfort of a classic pasta salad? Look no further! Our Mexican Chicken Pasta Salad is a delightful dish that will wow your taste buds and leave you feeling fully satisfied. Packed with protein, fresh veggies, and zesty spices, this salad is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty side dish for your next gathering. Let’s dive into how to whip up this colorful and delicious dish!
Mexican Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
– 8 oz penne pasta
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup chopped red onion
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 avocado, diced
– Lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. Season the chicken breasts with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side or until no longer pink in the center. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, red bell pepper, corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Toss gently to mix everything together.
4. Add the diced avocado to the salad and gently mix it in. Be careful not to mash the avocado.
5. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the salad and toss again to distribute the flavors evenly.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt, pepper, or lime juice.
7. Chill the salad for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. Serve the Mexican Chicken Pasta Salad chilled, garnished with lime wedges for an extra citrusy kick.
Enjoy this vibrant and delicious Mexican Chicken Pasta Salad as a main dish or side with your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes. It’s a versatile recipe that can be customized to your taste preferences – feel free to add jalapeños for a spicy kick or top with crumbled queso fresco for added richness.
This salad is perfect for meal prep as it can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Prepare a batch ahead of time for quick and easy lunches throughout the week. From weeknight dinners to backyard barbecues, this Mexican Chicken Pasta Salad is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Try it out and delight your family and friends with this flavorful and colorful dish!
