Best 8 Southwestern Chicken And Pasta Salad Recipes

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Craving a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the bold flavors of the Southwest with the convenience of a pasta salad? Look no further than this Southwestern Chicken and Pasta Salad. With a medley of tender chicken, zesty corn, juicy black beans, sweet bell peppers, and tangy dressing, this salad offers a fiesta of flavors in every bite. Served atop a bed of colorful rotini pasta, this salad is a delightful fusion of textures and tastes. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure as we delve into the details of this tantalizing dish and provide you with a step-by-step guide to recreate it in your kitchen.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SOUTHWEST CHICKEN & PASTA SALAD



Southwest Chicken & Pasta Salad image

Found this recipe in a Penzeys Spice Store on a recipe card. Sounded so good I bought the spice blend that goes in this dish and have been hooked on that blend ever since! Love it when it's warm but can be served cold as well. All the good for you veggies and beans in this dish! This is a perfect dish when you are craving...

Provided by Victoria Ross

Categories     Salads

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 15

FOR DRESSING
2/3 c canola or vegetable oil
1/3 c fresh or bottled lime juice
2-3 clove garlic, minced
2 Tbsp southwest seasoning blend
1 tsp kosher salt
FOR SALAD
1 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders, cubed into bite sized pieces
1 tsp southwest seasoning blend
1 16 oz box rotini pasta
1 can(s) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 c frozen corn, thawed
1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
1 bunch green onion, sliced thin including white and green part
1 pkg grape tomatoes, halved

Steps:

  • 1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook cubed chicken breast seasoned with 1 tsp southwest seasoning until cooked through.
  • 2. While chicken is cooking, cook pasta according to package directions, drain but do not rinse.
  • 3. In a very large bowl (need room to get a good mix of ingredients), mix together all of the salad ingredients.
  • 4. In a 2 cup measuring cup, mix all of the dressing ingredients with a small whisk until fully combined. Pour dressing mixture over salad mixture in the large bowl. Mix well with a spoon until all of the salad ingredients are coated with dressing.
  • 5. I always double this recipe and my son, of course adds shredded cheddar on top! You can vary the amount of vegetables and beans according to what you like.

SOUTHWESTERN PASTA SALAD



Southwestern Pasta Salad image

Really popular at potlucks--make a double batch! Very easy and very delicious. Serve on a bed of lettuce for a nice touch.

Provided by Lisa Provost

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Vegetarian Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 13

½ (16 ounce) package rotini pasta
⅓ cup vegetable oil
¼ cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons chili powder, or to taste
2 teaspoons ground cumin
½ teaspoon salt
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 ½ cups whole kernel corn
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
½ cup diced green bell pepper
½ cup diced red bell pepper
½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
1 cup chopped roma (plum) tomatoes

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
  • In a large bowl combine oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt and garlic. Stir in pasta and set aside to cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally.
  • Stir in corn, beans, green pepper, red pepper and 1/2 of the cilantro leaves. Spoon onto a platter and garnish with tomatoes and remaining cilantro. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 216.6 calories, Carbohydrate 27.2 g, Fat 10.3 g, Fiber 6.1 g, Protein 6.5 g, SaturatedFat 1.7 g, Sodium 468.3 mg, Sugar 2.4 g

SOUTHWESTERN CHICKEN AND PASTA SALAD



Southwestern Chicken and Pasta Salad image

Provided by Erin Renouf Mylroie

Categories     Salad     Chicken     Pasta     Tomato     Kid-Friendly     Quick & Easy     Back to School     Summer     Cilantro     Bon Appétit     California     Small Plates

Yield Serves 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 pound farfalle (bow-tie) pasta
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups diced cooked chicken
8 green onions, chopped
6 plum tomatoes, chopped
1 15-ounce can golden hominy, drained
1 15-ounce can black beans, drained
1 12-ounce bottle mild green taco sauce
1 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Steps:

  • Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite. Drain; rinse under cold running water and drain again.
  • Transfer pasta to large bowl. Add oil and toss to coat. Mix in chicken, green onions, tomatoes, hominy, beans, taco sauce and cilantro. Season salad generously with salt and pepper.

SOUTHWESTERN PASTA SALAD



Southwestern Pasta Salad image

I created this southwestern pasta salad for a friend who owns a catering business. I was told it was a hit at her events and it's now among the most-requested dishes. -Valonda Seward, Coarsegold, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 18

1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup olive oil
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon salsa
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 package (16 ounces) uncooked spiral or cavatappi pasta
1-1/2 cups fresh or frozen whole kernel corn, thawed
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cans (2-1/4 ounces each) sliced ripe olives, drained
1 small green pepper, finely chopped
1 small sweet red pepper, finely chopped
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro, divided
1 medium ripe avocado, peeled and sliced

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, whisk the first 8 ingredients until blended. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta; rinse with cold water., In a large bowl, mix pasta, corn, beans, tomatoes, olives, peppers, onion and 1/4 cup cilantro. Pour dressing over salad; toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving., Just before serving, top with avocado and the remaining cilantro.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 203 calories, Fat 6g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 191mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

SOUTHWESTERN CHICKEN PASTA SALAD



Southwestern Chicken Pasta Salad image

SUPERB!! I love this salad! I am submitting this on behalf of my friend Christa......she is a fantastic cook and came up with this wonderful salad. I thought I would share it with all of you, enjoy! Note: Use a little more mayo than what you think looks right, it is absorbed into the pasta overnight. If it's too dry at first then it will be way too dry the next day. Salad is to be slightly moist after chilling. Cooking time is chilling time. It is best if chilled overnight to get all the flavors soaked in well.

Provided by MnGal

Categories     Chicken

Time 8h30m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 (16 ounce) box wagon wheel macaroni
1 (30 ounce) jar mayonnaise, use approx (3/4 of jar or the whole thing)
1/4 cup chili powder, less (to taste)
kosher salt (to taste)
fresh coarse ground black pepper (to taste)
1 medium white onion, diced
3 fresh jalapenos, diced (optional)
2 green bell peppers, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 orange bell pepper, diced
2 (12 ounce) cans white and yellow corn, drained
2 (12 ounce) cans red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 (2 1/4 ounce) cans sliced black olives (Early California)
3 (6 ounce) packages oscar mayer pre-cooked chicken strips (oven roasted)

Steps:

  • Season the chicken strips with cayenne red pepper (to taste) or Mrs. Dash Southwest Chipotle seasoning (to taste) - set aside.
  • Cook pasta 'al dente' - drain and rinse well with cold water.
  • In large bowl combine pasta, peppers, corn, beans and onion.
  • Next add the chicken, seasonings and mayo. Fold together (pasta and kidney beans can fall apart if you mix too hard).
  • Add more seasonings to taste if needed.
  • Chill overnight.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 760, Fat 9.1, SaturatedFat 1.7, Cholesterol 59.5, Sodium 326.3, Carbohydrate 131.5, Fiber 19.1, Sugar 10.9, Protein 45.5

SOUTHWEST CORN AND CHICKEN SALAD



Southwest Corn and Chicken Salad image

Whether you make our easy southwest chicken salad with corn for a potluck or tuck it into lunch boxes on weekdays, this tasty salad is fast, fresh, flavorful and delicious! We're serious about how quick this dish is-thanks to ingredients like frozen corn and Betty Crocker™ Southwest Style Corn Suddenly Deli Salad Starter Kit, it comes together in just 15 minutes! We'd say that makes it a must-try.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Lunch

Time 15m

Yield 7

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 box (2 oz) Betty Crocker™ Southwest Style Corn Suddenly Deli Salad Starter Kit
1 bag (16 oz) frozen corn kernels
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup water
1 cup diced cooked chicken
1 jalapeño chile, seeds and membranes removed, finely chopped
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (2 oz)

Steps:

  • In medium bowl, combine vegetable blend (from kit) and 1/2 cup boiling water. Let stand 5 minutes; drain.
  • Cook frozen corn according to package directions; drain if necessary.
  • In large bowl, stir together sour cream, 1/4 cup water and the dressing mix (from kit); stir in chicken and jalapeño chile.
  • Stir in corn, vegetable blend and cheese. Serve immediately, or refrigerate.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 190, Carbohydrate 19 g, Cholesterol 35 mg, Fat 1 1/2, Fiber 2 g, Protein 10 g, SaturatedFat 3 1/2 g, ServingSize About 1/2 Cup, Sodium 340 mg, Sugar 4 g, TransFat 0 g

SOUTHWESTERN CHICKEN PASTA SALAD



Southwestern Chicken Pasta Salad image

Dinner ready in 30 minutes! Enjoy this delicious pasta salad flavored with Old El Paso® salsa and made using chicken and corn - perfect for a Southwestern meal.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

6 oz. (2 cups) uncooked rainbow rotini (spiral pasta)
1 (9-oz.) pkg. frozen southwestern-flavored cooked chicken breast strips, thawed, diced
1 medium avocado, pitted, peeled and diced
1 large tomato, chopped
1 (11-oz.) can whole kernel sweet corn, drained
1/2 cup sliced green onions
4 oz. (1 cup) finely shredded Mexican cheese blend
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup Old El Paso™ Thick 'n Chunky salsa
1 (11-oz.) pkg. torn romaine and iceberg lettuce blend (6 cups)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Steps:

  • Cook and drain rotini as directed on package. Rinse with cold water to cool. Drain well.
  • Meanwhile, in large bowl, mix chicken, avocado, tomato, corn, onions and cheese. In small bowl, mix mayonnaise and salsa.
  • Add rotini to salad; stir gently to mix. Add mayonnaise mixture to salad; toss to coat. Arrange lettuce blend on individual plates. Spoon salad over lettuce. Sprinkle with cilantro.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 565, Carbohydrate 40 g, Cholesterol 70 mg, Fat 7, Fiber 5 g, Protein 25 g, SaturatedFat 9 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 775 mg, Sugar 7 g

SOUTHWEST CHICKEN PASTA SALAD RECIPE



Southwest Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe image

This Southwest Chicken Pasta Salad is quick, delicious, and full of amazing flavor. It's not too spicy, but has the most amazing flavor and seasoning to it.

Provided by Camille Beckstrand

Categories     Salad

Time 28m

Number Of Ingredients 17

16 ounces rotini pasta
1 pound boneless chicken breasts (cooked and cubed)
1 green bell pepper (diced)
1 red bell pepper (diced)
2 Roma tomatoes (diced)
4.25 ounces olives (sliced)
14 ounces corn (drained)
½ red onion (diced)
15 ounces black beans (rinsed and drained)
15 ounces pinto beans (rinsed and drained)
1 ounce taco seasoning mix
4 ounces Colby Jack Cheese (cubed)
1 ½ cups mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
3 Tablespoons salsa
½ cup buttermilk
1 ounce fiesta Ranch dip seasoning

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to directions on package.
  • While pasta is cooking, mix together (in a VERY large bowl) the cooked chicken, bell peppers, tomatoes, olives, corn, onion, black beans, pinto beans, and taco seasoning.
  • After pasta is finished cooking, mix it into the bowl with other ingredients (do not add cheese at this point because the hot pasta has a tendency to melt it, so wait to add the cheese until the pasta has completely cooled down).
  • In a separate bowl, mix together dressing ingredients and fold into pasta/vegetable mixture. Stir until all ingredients are coated with dressing.
  • Fold in cheese at this time and place in the fridge. I prefer to eat this after it has been in the fridge for at least 2-4 hours, but it tastes even better after staying in the fridge overnight.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 492 kcal, Carbohydrate 60 g, Protein 24 g, Fat 18 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, TransFat 1 g, Cholesterol 44 mg, Sodium 687 mg, Fiber 10 g, Sugar 6 g, ServingSize 1 serving

Tips:

  • For the best flavor, use freshly grilled or roasted chicken. You can also use leftover chicken from a previous meal.
  • If you don't have any cooked chicken, you can also use canned chicken. Just be sure to drain and rinse it well before using.
  • Use a variety of vegetables in your salad. This will add flavor, color, and nutrients.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different dressings. A simple vinaigrette is always a good option, but you can also try a creamy dressing or a salsa-based dressing.
  • Serve your salad immediately or chill it for later. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

Southwestern chicken and pasta salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a summer cookout or potluck. It is also a great way to use up leftover chicken. With its bold flavors and refreshing ingredients, this salad is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give southwestern chicken and pasta salad a try. You won't be disappointed!

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