This Chicken Fajita Pasta Salad is a fun and colorful dish! It’s packed with tender chicken, tasty bell peppers, and zesty spices all tossed with pasta and a light dressing.
I love making this salad for busy days because it’s quick and easy. Plus, it’s great for lunch or dinner, and leftovers taste amazing too. Who doesn’t love a meal that’s this vibrant and delicious? 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Farfalle Pasta: This recipe uses farfalle, which has a fun bowtie shape. If you don’t have it, penne or rotini can work well too, ensuring the dressing clings nicely.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken breast is a great choice. You can use rotisserie chicken for ease or even turkey if you prefer. For a vegetarian take, try chickpeas or grilled tofu.
Black Beans: Canned black beans are handy and nutritious. If you can’t find them, kidney beans or pinto beans can be a great swap.
Bell Peppers: Red and green bell peppers add crunch and color. Feel free to mix in yellow or orange peppers instead, or omit them if peppers aren’t your favorite.
Ranch Dressing: I love ranch for its creaminess! You can swap it for another creamy dressing like Greek yogurt dressing or even a vinaigrette if you want something lighter.
How Do I Cook Pasta to Get It Just Right?
Cooking pasta perfectly is key for any pasta salad. Follow these simple tips to get it just right:
- Boil plenty of salted water; it should taste a bit like the sea!
- Add the farfalle and cook until al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite.
- Once done, drain it well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This keeps the pasta firm and prevents clumping.
For this salad, I find that chilling the pasta before mixing enhances the overall flavors and keeps it refreshing!
How to Make Chicken Fajita Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz farfalle pasta (bowtie pasta)
- 1 lb cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing or creamy dressing of choice
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and cooking time, plus an extra 30 minutes to chill if you want the flavors to really come together. Total time is around 45 minutes. Perfect for a refreshing meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s boiling, add the farfalle pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This will also stop the cooking process.
2. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and finely chopped red onion. Give everything a good stir to mix all those lovely ingredients together!
3. Preparing the Dressing:
In a small bowl, mix together the fajita seasoning, ranch dressing, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well until everything is nicely combined and smooth.
4. Combining Salad and Dressing:
Now it’s time to pour that flavorful dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Toss everything gently until the pasta and veggies are evenly coated with that delicious dressing.
5. Adding the Final Touches:
Carefully fold in the diced avocado and fresh cilantro at the end. This will keep the avocado intact and add a fresh burst of flavor!
6. Serving:
You can serve the Chicken Fajita Pasta Salad right away, or for a taste boost, chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Enjoy your tasty and colorful salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute farfalle with any pasta you like, such as rotini, penne, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose.
Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this salad vegetarian by omitting the shredded chicken. Consider adding extra veggies, like zucchini or mushrooms, for added texture and flavor. You could also substitute the chicken with tofu or another plant-based protein!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If the pasta absorbs too much dressing after sitting, you can add a little extra ranch dressing or a splash of lime juice when you serve it again to refresh the flavors.
How to Make This Dish Spicier?
If you’d like more heat, try adding some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or use a spicier fajita seasoning to kick up the flavor!
