Description
A robust, protein-packed Southwest Chicken Pasta Salad featuring tender grilled chicken, al dente rotini, black beans, and sweet corn. This dish harmonizes zesty lime and earthy cumin with a creamy Greek yogurt-based dressing. Perfect for meal prep, this healthier, protein-rich alternative to mayo-based salads is refreshing, satisfying, and develops even deeper, more complex flavors when chilled, making it an ideal choice for a hearty dinner or a crowd-pleasing lunch.
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast
16 oz rotini pasta
15 oz black beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups sweet corn, fresh or thawed
1 red bell pepper, finely diced
1 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
3 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Drain the pasta and rinse immediately under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping.
Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and chili powder, then grill over medium-high heat until fully cooked.
Rest the chicken for five minutes, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
Whisk the Greek yogurt, lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt together in a small bowl to create the dressing.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, black beans, corn, and bell pepper.
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss until everything is thoroughly coated.
Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad tastes even better on the second day as the pasta absorbs the dressing. Feel free to substitute rotini with bowtie pasta if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Grilling and Boiling
- Cuisine: American Southwest
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 85mg