Description
A vibrant and flavorful pasta salad featuring grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, and a zesty lime-cilantro dressing, perfect for summer barbecues or hearty lunches.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) rotini or penne pasta
- 1.5 pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (15 oz/425g) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz/425g) corn kernels, drained (or 2 cups fresh corn)
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 1 large yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium red onion, finely diced
- 2 large avocados, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
- Combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for the chicken seasoning. Coat chicken breasts and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Grill the chicken on medium-high for 6-7 minutes on each side until cooked through. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
- Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper for the dressing.
- Dice bell peppers, red onion, halve cherry tomatoes, and prepare beans and corn.
- In a bowl, mix pasta, chicken, beans, corn, peppers, onion, and tomatoes. Add dressing and toss to combine.
- Fold in avocados, cilantro, cheddar cheese, and green onions. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
Adjust the seasoning to taste and add spices as desired for more heat. Can be made in advance; store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60mg