Southwest Chicken Pasta Salad with Black Beans, Corn and Peppers

Prep Time: 20 minutes   |   Cook Time: 10 minutes   |   Total Time: 30 minutes   |   Servings: 6

Introduction

Chicken pasta salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and vibrant vegetables in one flavorful bowl. This Southwest-inspired version brings bold flavors with black beans, sweet corn, and colorful bell peppers, all tossed in a zesty dressing. The mix of textures—from juicy chicken to crisp veggies—makes every bite exciting and balanced. It’s perfect for meal prep, picnics, or quick lunches because it can be made ahead and served cold or at room temperature. For the best flavor, chill the salad before serving so the ingredients absorb the dressing.

Ingredients

• 12 oz rotini or penne pasta (340 g)
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced (300 g)
• 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained (170 g)
• 1 cup corn kernels (150 g)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced (150 g)
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (75 g)
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (40 g)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (15 g)
• For the Dressing:
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (45 ml)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (30 ml)
• 1 tablespoon honey (15 ml)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (3 g)
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin (1 g)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (3 g)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (1 g)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and let cool.
2. Prepare the ingredients: Dice the cooked chicken, chop the vegetables, and rinse the black beans.
3. Make the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
4. Combine the salad: In a large bowl, add cooled pasta, chicken, black beans, corn, bell pepper, tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
5. Add dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
6. Chill: Refrigerate the salad for at least 20–30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
7. Serve: Serve chilled or at room temperature for best flavor.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use grilled chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Yes, grilled chicken adds extra flavor and works perfectly in this salad.

Q2: How long does chicken pasta salad last?
It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days in an airtight container.

Q3: Can I make this chicken pasta salad dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free as written, making it suitable for many diets.

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