Easy Chicken Fajita Pasta Salad Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Pasta: Bowtie (farfalle) pasta is fun and holds the dressing well. If you want to switch things up, any shape works—try rotini, penne, or fusilli for a different experience.

Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken is key for protein. I love using rotisserie chicken for convenience, but leftover grilled chicken or even canned chicken can work too!

Black Beans: These add protein and fiber. If you need a substitution, try kidney beans or chickpeas. They offer a similar texture and taste.

Corn: Fresh, frozen, or canned corn can all work. If you want a unique twist, you could use diced bell peppers or jarred jalapeños for a little kick.

Dressing: The dressing is creamy and tangy thanks to mayonnaise and Greek yogurt. If you want a lighter option, use just Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream.

How Do I Ensure the Pasta is Perfectly Cooked?

Cooking the pasta properly is crucial for this dish. You want it al dente, meaning it’s cooked but still firm. Here’s how:

• Boil water in a large pot and add a good amount of salt. This will flavor the pasta.
• Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes.
• Check for doneness a minute or two before the timer goes off. It should be firm to the bite.
• Once done, drain the pasta, and rinse with cold water immediately to stop the cooking process. This will also help avoid clumping.

Trust me, following these steps will give you the best texture, adding to the overall delight of your pasta salad!

Easy Chicken Fajita Pasta Salad

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 8 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen thawed, or canned, drained)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup crushed tortilla chips (optional for crunch)

For the dressing:

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 2 tsp fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper)
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delightful chicken fajita pasta salad takes about 20 minutes for prep and another 30 minutes to chill. So, in about 50 minutes, you’ll be ready to serve this vibrant and tasty dish. Perfect for those busy weeknights or weekend gatherings!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, add the bowtie pasta. Cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta and give it a quick rinse under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process. Set it aside.

2. Mix the Main Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, bring together the star players of your dish: shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped onion, and fresh cilantro. Give them a good mix together so they’re evenly distributed.

3. Whip Up the Dressing:

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lime juice, fajita seasoning, smoked paprika (if using), and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. It should be creamy and tangy—just right for dressing your pasta salad.

4. Combine Pasta and Dressing:

Now add the cooled pasta to the large bowl with your chicken and veggies. Pour the delicious dressing over the top. Gently toss everything together until everything is well-coated and looks colorful and enticing.

5. Add Crunch (Optional):

If you want an extra crunch, stir in the crushed tortilla chips just before serving. This way, they stay crispy and don’t get mushy!

6. Chill and Serve:

Cover your salad and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows all those fantastic flavors to blend beautifully. When you’re ready to enjoy, serve the salad cold or at room temperature, and feel free to garnish with additional cilantro if you like!

Enjoy this flavorful, colorful, and easy-to-make chicken fajita pasta salad as a hearty lunch or a crowd-pleasing side dish!

FAQ for Easy Chicken Fajita Pasta Salad

Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand works perfectly. Just shred it up, and you’re good to go!

Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can! This pasta salad actually tastes even better after sitting for a while. You can prepare it up to 1 day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and give it a gentle stir before serving.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

What Can I Substitute for the Fajita Seasoning?

If you don’t have fajita seasoning on hand, a blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika can work nicely. Adjust the quantities based on your taste preference, but aim for roughly the same overall amount!