Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that combines the heartiness of pasta with the zesty flavors of the Southwest? Meet the Santa Fe Chicken Parmesan Pasta Salad—a vibrant, refreshing meal that’s perfect for any occasion! With tender pasta, juicy chicken, and a burst of fresh ingredients, this salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight for the palate. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe will have your guests asking for seconds. Dive into this culinary adventure and discover how to create a dish that’s as colorful as it is delicious!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking process and cool the pasta.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, corn, and black beans.
- Create the dressing by whisking together olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
- Add cooled pasta to the chicken and vegetable mixture, then pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients.
- Gently toss all ingredients to ensure even coating with the dressing.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the salad and fold in chopped fresh cilantro.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a final gentle toss and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve chilled and garnish with additional cilantro if desired.
Tips
- Cook Pasta Perfectly: To achieve that ideal al dente texture, keep a close eye on the pasta while it cooks. Remember to rinse it with cold water afterward to stop the cooking process and keep it from becoming mushy.
- Shred Chicken Easily: For perfectly shredded chicken, use leftover rotisserie chicken or boil chicken breasts until cooked through, then shred them using two forks for a quick and effortless process.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like bell peppers, avocados, or even jalapeños for an extra kick!
- Make Ahead: This salad tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld, so consider making it a few hours in advance or the night before for a meal that’s ready when you are.
- Dress it Right: Whisk your dressing ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even coating over the salad. Adjust the lime juice and chili powder according to your taste preference for a more tangy or spicier kick.
- Garnish for Flair: Don’t forget to sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese and fresh cilantro on top before serving for that restaurant-quality presentation.
- Serve Chilled: This dish is best served cold, making it a perfect make-ahead option for picnics or potlucks.Enjoy your culinary creation and the compliments that are sure to follow!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 75mg
