Smoky grilled chicken, sweet corn, hearty black beans, and tender pasta come together in this Southwest Chicken Pasta Salad. A creamy lime dressing adds bright flavor with a gentle kick. This colorful bowl tastes fresh, satisfying, and perfect for meal prep or summer gatherings.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with bold Southwest flavor
• High in protein and fiber
• Great for meal prep
• Perfect for BBQs and potlucks
• Easy to customize

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Preparation and Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional)

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Ingredients

• 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup sweet corn (fresh, canned, or thawed)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

For the Creamy Lime Dressing:

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Swaps:
Use rotisserie chicken for convenience. Add diced avocado before serving. Substitute chipotle powder for extra heat.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. Transfer cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl.
3. Add diced chicken, black beans, corn, bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk Greek yogurt, olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
5. Pour dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until evenly coated.
6. Chill for 30 minutes before serving your Southwest Chicken Pasta Salad.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve Southwest Chicken Pasta Salad chilled. Pair it with tortilla chips, grilled vegetables, or fresh salsa. Garnish with extra cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a bright finish.

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Quick Tips or Variations

• Add shredded cheddar for extra richness.
• Stir in diced jalapeño for more heat.
• Top with crushed tortilla strips for crunch.

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FAQs

How long does Southwest Chicken Pasta Salad last?

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can I make Southwest Chicken Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare it a day in advance for deeper flavor.

Can I use grilled chicken?

Yes. Grilled chicken adds smoky flavor and works perfectly.

Is this pasta salad spicy?

It has mild heat. Adjust chili powder or add jalapeño to increase spice.

Conclusion

Southwest Chicken Pasta Salad combines smoky chicken, hearty beans, and creamy lime dressing in one bold, colorful bowl. It tastes fresh, filling, and satisfying. Make it once and enjoy easy, flavorful meals all week.

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