Get ready to transform your ordinary meal into a flavor-packed fiesta that'll have everyone begging for seconds! This Tex-Mex Chicken Pasta Salad is not just a recipe—it's a culinary adventure that combines the zesty bold flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine with the comfort of a hearty pasta dish. Perfect for summer gatherings, quick weeknight dinners, or meal prep, this vibrant salad promises to be your new go-to recipe that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (rotini or penne)
- 1 lb cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken if not already cooked. Season diced chicken breast with salt, pepper, and half of the taco seasoning. Cook in a skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked and no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, corn kernels, black beans, and diced bell peppers.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing and remaining taco seasoning to create a zesty dressing.
- Pour the seasoned ranch dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top of the salad and gently fold to distribute.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together. This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Optional: garnish with additional cilantro or a sprinkle of extra taco seasoning.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use freshly cooked and slightly warm chicken that's been seasoned generously with taco seasoning.
- Choose pasta shapes like rotini or penne that have lots of nooks and crannies to hold the dressing.
- Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
- For a protein boost, you can substitute the ranch dressing with Greek yogurt ranch for added nutrition.
- Make this salad ahead of time—it actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have fully developed.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with grilled tofu or additional black beans.
- Always taste and adjust seasonings before serving to ensure the perfect balance of flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 75mg
