mexican chicken pasta salad

This Mexican Chicken Pasta Salad is a delicious and easy way to add an extra kick to your dinner. It’s packed full of flavor, and the combination of chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and pasta makes it a meal that’s sure to please both adults and kids alike. This dish is perfect for those busy nights when you’re looking for something quick and easy to throw together, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it can be made in just 30 minutes, so it’s perfect for those last-minute dinners.

Ingredients

For this Mexican-style pasta salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup cooked black beans
1 cup cooked corn kernels
1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
8 ounces uncooked pasta of your choice (penne, fusilli, or rotini)

Instructions

To make this Mexican Chicken Pasta Salad, you’ll need to follow these instructions:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cut chicken into cubes and place on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat and bake for 20 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
Cook pasta according to package instructions.
In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice. Toss to combine.
Add cooked pasta to the bowl and toss to combine.
Serve warm or cold.

Nutrition Information

This Mexican Chicken Pasta Salad is a healthy and nutritious meal. One serving contains:

Calories: 490
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 73mg
Sodium: 417mg
Total Carbohydrates: 53g
Dietary Fiber: 8g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 43g

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the perfect Mexican Chicken Pasta Salad:

If you don’t like black beans, you can substitute them with any other type of bean, such as pinto beans or chickpeas.
If you don’t have fresh cilantro on hand, you can use dried cilantro instead.
You can also use pre-cooked chicken to save time. Just make sure to cut it into cubes before adding it to the salad.
This salad can be served warm or cold, so it’s perfect for any occasion.
If you want to make this salad ahead of time, you can prepare all of the ingredients and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned beans for this recipe?

Yes, you can use canned beans for this recipe. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the salad.

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta for this recipe. Penne, fusilli, and rotini are all good choices.

How long will this salad last in the refrigerator?

This salad will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. Just make sure to store the ingredients in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.