This Blackened Chicken Pasta Salad is a mix of tender pasta, juicy blackened chicken, and fresh veggies. It’s colorful and packed with flavor, making it a great meal for any day!
I love how quick it is to prepare! Just grill the chicken, toss it with pasta, and add your favorite dressing. It’s like a party on a plate, and it’s perfect for warm days! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe. If you’re in a hurry, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut! Just shred it and toss it in.
Blackened Seasoning: This mix of spices adds a punch! If you don’t have all the ingredients, feel free to use store-bought blackened seasoning or a combination of paprika and cayenne for a kick.
Pasta: Rotini holds onto the dressing and veggies nicely, but any pasta like penne or farfalle works too. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be a good substitute as well.
Dressing: Mayonnaise with sour cream gives creaminess, but you can use Greek yogurt alone for a lighter dressing. For a dairy-free option, try vegan mayo!
How Do I Perfectly Cook the Chicken?
Cooking the chicken to perfection is key! Blackening gives it flavor and a nice crust. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by patting the chicken dry to help the seasoning stick.
- Rub a generous amount of blackened seasoning onto both sides evenly.
- Heat a skillet to medium-high, add a bit of oil, and then place the chicken in the pan.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let your chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy!
Blackened Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons blackened seasoning (paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper)
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mixed salad greens or romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup orange or yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Blackened Chicken Pasta Salad takes about 25-30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll need around 10 minutes to prep and cook the pasta and chicken, and then another 10 minutes to assemble all the ingredients together. If you want to chill it for the best flavor, give it 30 minutes in the fridge!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes until al dente. When cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to cool it down. Set it aside while you prepare the chicken and dressing.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the spice mix stick better. Rub both sides of each chicken breast with the blackened seasoning, making sure it’s evenly coated. Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice blackened crust. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, chopped cilantro, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth and creamy dressing. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed!
4. Combine the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, salad greens, diced bell pepper, and red onion. Toss them together gently to mix the ingredients.
5. Add the Dressing and Chicken:
Pour your creamy dressing over the pasta salad and give it a gentle toss to coat everything evenly. Then, add the sliced blackened chicken on top.
6. Serve:
Your Blackened Chicken Pasta Salad is ready to enjoy! Feel free to garnish with some fresh cilantro or parsley for that pretty touch. It’s great served immediately, but if you have time, chilling it in the fridge for about 30 minutes helps enhance the flavors.
7. Optional Chilling:
While it’s delicious right after making it, you can pop it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully!
Enjoy your flavorful and colorful Blackened Chicken Pasta Salad, perfect as a light meal or side dish!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken, pasta, and dressing in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, combine everything together! This salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
What Can I Substitute for Blackened Seasoning?
If you don’t have blackened seasoning on hand, you can create a quick substitute using equal parts paprika and cayenne pepper, along with garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of salt and pepper. This can give you similar flavors!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. You can also add a splash of water or extra dressing when reheating to revive the flavors.
Can I Use Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables. Some great options include cucumber, zucchini, or even avocado. Just make sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing!
