Chicken Fajita Pasta Salad Zesty, Colorful & Full of Flavor!

🌶️ Chicken Fajita Pasta Salad

Zesty, Colorful & Full of Flavor!

📝 Description:

This Chicken Fajita Pasta Salad is a vibrant fusion of Tex-Mex flavors with the cool satisfaction of a pasta salad. Think: smoky fajita-spiced chicken, crisp bell peppers, tender pasta, and a bold, tangy dressing. It’s ideal served cold or at room temp—great for summer gatherings, picnics, or meal prepping for a few days of flavor-packed lunches.

🧂 Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 ½ tsp fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade*)
• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Salad:

• 8 oz (about 3 cups) cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or bowtie work well)
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup corn (optional; grilled or canned)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt & pepper to taste

🍳 Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken:
   Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, fajita seasoning, salt, and pepper. Grill or pan-sear for 5–6 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
2. Cook the Pasta:
   Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
3. Make the Dressing:
   In a bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, sour cream (or yogurt), mustard, garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
4. Assemble the Salad:
   In a large bowl, combine pasta, sliced chicken, peppers, onion, tomatoes, corn, cheese, and cilantro.
5. Toss & Chill:
   Pour dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Refrigerate for 30 minutes if possible before serving for best flavor.
6. 👩‍🍳 Notes & Tips:

• Make it ahead: Even better the next day once flavors meld—perfect for meal prep.
• Swap proteins: Use grilled shrimp, steak, or black beans for a vegetarian option.
• Fajita seasoning substitute: Combine 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, pinch of cayenne, salt & pepper.
• Add crunch: Top with crushed tortilla chips or sliced avocado just before serving.

🍽 Servings:

• Makes about 4–6 servings
• Great for meal prep (lasts 3–4 days in the fridge)

🔍 Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.):

(with cheese and dressing included)

• Calories: ~420
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 21g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 5g

🌟 Health Benefits:

• Balanced macros – Includes lean protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs.
• Loaded with veggies – Bell peppers and onions bring vitamins A and C.
• Customizable – Adapt for low-carb, dairy-free, or gluten-free diets.

❓ Q&A

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and double-check your fajita seasoning ingredients.

Q: Can I serve this warm?
A: Yes! It’s delicious warm or cold—just skip rinsing the pasta if serving warm.

Q: What pasta shape works best?
A: Short, sturdy pasta like rotini, bowtie, or penne hold up best with all the mix-ins.

Q: How long does it last in the fridge?
A: Up to 4 days in an airtight container. Stir before serving again as the dressing may settle.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use dairy-free yogurt in the dressing and omit or sub the cheese with a plant-based alternative.