Go Back
–+ servings
Southwest Chicken Pasta Salad pinterest

Southwest Chicken Pasta Salad

A hearty and flavorful cold pasta salad, perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or a quick summer lunch. This easy recipe combines tender chicken with vibrant Southwest flavors to create a dish that's both nutritionally balanced and bursting with taste.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course, Salad
Cuisine Mexican, Southwestern
Servings 6 servings
Calories 385 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife
  • Whisk

Ingredients
  

Salad Ingredients

  • 8 oz rotini pasta whole wheat or regular
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast diced (about 2 medium breasts)
  • 1 cup black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels fresh, frozen, or canned
  • 1 medium red bell pepper diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion finely chopped
  • 1 avocado diced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro chopped

For the dressing

  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice about 1 medium lime
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Cook the rotini according to package directions until al dente. Immediately rinse under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
  • While the pasta cooks, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
  • In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced chicken, black beans, corn, bell pepper, and red onion.
  • Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to ensure even coating.
  • Fold in the diced avocado and chopped cilantro just before serving to maintain their fresh flavor and texture.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.

Notes

For meal prep, store the avocado and cilantro separately and add just before serving. This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
For extra creaminess, you can add 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt to the dressing.
If using canned corn or beans, rinsing them thoroughly reduces sodium content by up to 40%.

Nutrition

Calories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 21gFat: 16gSodium: 310mgFiber: 7gSugar: 5g
Keyword Pasta Salad, Chicken Pasta, Southwest Chicken, Cold Pasta Salad
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!