Certainly! Here’s a detailed recipe for a scrumptious Santa Fe Pasta Salad with Chicken, featuring a delightful Southwestern-style dressing, sweet corn kernels, colorful bell peppers, and the freshness of cilantro. 🌽🍗
Santa Fe Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Rotini pasta |
| 4 1/2 | cups water |
| 1/2 | cup grated parmesan cheese |
| 1/2 | cup corn kernels |
| 1/3 | cup chopped cilantro |
| 1/4 | cup sliced green onions |
| 2 | red bell peppers, diced |
| 2 | green bell peppers, diced |
| 1 | pound chicken breast, cooked and diced |
| 1 1/4 | cups olive oil |
| 1 1/2 | cups red wine vinegar |
| 1 | tablespoon chili powder |
| 1 1/2 | teaspoons paprika |
| 3/4 | teaspoon table salt |
| 1/2 | teaspoon fresh ground black pepper |
Instructions:
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring 4 1/2 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large saucepan.
- Add the rotini pasta and cook for 8-11 minutes until al dente (tender but slightly firm in the middle).
- Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large bowl.
-
Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Cover the dressing and chill it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
-
Assemble the Salad:
- Pour the chilled dressing over the cooked pasta.
- Toss the pasta gently to coat it evenly with the dressing.
-
Add the Remaining Ingredients:
- To the pasta, add the diced chicken breast, corn kernels, grated parmesan cheese, cilantro, sliced green onions, diced red bell peppers, and diced green bell peppers.
-
Combine the Salad:
- Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is well combined and coated with the dressing.
-
Chill and Serve:
- Cover the Santa Fe Pasta Salad with plastic wrap or a lid.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- When ready to serve, give the salad a final toss.
- Garnish with extra cilantro leaves or a sprinkle of paprika if desired.
- Serve cold as a refreshing main dish or a delightful side salad.
This Santa Fe Pasta Salad with Chicken is a true crowd-pleaser, bursting with vibrant colors, bold flavors, and satisfying textures. 🥗 It’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Enjoy the taste of the Southwest in every bite! 🌶️🌽
