Description
This Southwest Pasta Salad is a creamy, flavor-packed dish loaded with tender chicken, black beans, sweet corn, and fresh veggies. It’s the perfect balance of zesty, hearty, and refreshing—ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or potlucks. Every bite brings bold Southwest flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced chicken, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, taco seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors come together.
- Give it a quick stir before serving and garnish with extra cilantro if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, use grilled or rotisserie chicken.
Want a little heat? Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes.
This salad tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.
If it thickens too much, stir in a splash of milk or lime juice before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Southwest
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg