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Chicken Enchilada Pasta Salad

Zesty Chicken Enchilada Pasta Salad for Summer Bliss

This Chicken Enchilada Pasta Salad combines vibrant flavors and ease, making it a perfect summer dish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 pieces Chicken Breasts Cooked rotisserie chicken can be used for quicker preparation.
  • 16 oz Pasta Rotini, elbow macaroni, or your favorite shape.
  • 1 can Black Beans Canned, drained and rinsed.
  • 1 cup Yellow Corn Fresh or frozen, thaw if using frozen.
  • 1 cup Red Onion Diced; can swap for green onions.
  • 1 piece Jalapeño Fresh heat; reduce for milder taste.
  • 1/2 cup Chopped Olives Optional for extra briny flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Cilantro Brightens the salad; parsley can be substituted.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Red Enchilada Sauce Store-bought is convenient.
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream Can substitute with Greek yogurt.
  • 1 piece Lime Juice Fresh-squeezed is preferable.
For Seasoning
  • 1 tbsp Taco Seasoning Enhances flavor.
  • 1 tbsp Cooking Oil (Olive Oil) For sautéing chicken; opt for light oils.

Equipment

  • Non-Stick Skillet
  • large mixing bowl
  • Pot for boiling pasta

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. In a non-stick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with taco seasoning and add them to the pan. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side or until the chicken is no longer pink and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once done, remove from heat and let cool before cubing the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of red enchilada sauce, ½ cup of sour cream, and the juice of one fresh lime. Whisk these ingredients thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add 16 ounces of your preferred pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly, then set it aside.
  4. Once the chicken has cooled and the pasta is ready, add the cubed chicken, cooked pasta, drained black beans, corn, diced red onion, chopped jalapeño, and sliced olives to the bowl with your dressing. Gently stir everything together using a spatula until each element is evenly coated.
  5. Sprinkle a handful of chopped cilantro over the assembled Chicken Enchilada Pasta Salad for fresh flavor. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least one hour.
  6. After chilling, serve the Chicken Enchilada Pasta Salad in large bowls or on platters, ideally paired with tortilla chips or guacamole.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 10gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Customize the spice levels and toppings based on preferences. Prepare a day in advance for enhanced flavors.

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