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Southwest Chicken Pasta Salad


  • Author: Marina Savoy
  • Total Time: 25 minutes + chilling
  • Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x

Description

This bold and flavorful pasta salad combines tender grilled chicken, colorful vegetables, and a creamy chipotle ranch dressing. It’s perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or a satisfying weekday lunch.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz rotini pasta, cooked al dente

  • 2 cups grilled chicken, diced

  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

  • 1 can corn, drained

  • 1 cup red bell pepper, diced

  • 1 cup red onion, diced

  • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

  • 1 cup chipotle ranch dressing

  • Optional: avocado, shredded cheese, jalapeños, lime wedges


Instructions

  • Cook pasta, rinse with cold water, and set aside.

  • Dice chicken and veggies, rinse beans and corn.

  • In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, beans, corn, peppers, onion, tomatoes, and cilantro.

  • Pour in chipotle ranch dressing and toss until well coated.

  • Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

  • Garnish with avocado, cheese, or lime if desired.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, omit chicken or replace it with chickpeas or tofu.
  • Letting the salad chill helps enhance flavor.
  • Adjust spice level by increasing or reducing chipotle in the dressing.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad, Main Dish
  • Method: Mixing, Chilling
  • Cuisine: Southwest, American