Mexicali Chicken Pasta Salad
A flavorful pasta salad with Italian-inspired dressing, tender chicken, fresh tomato, and melted cheese, perfect for casual gatherings and satisfying lunch or dinner options.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare salad as directed on package except omit oil from dressing and mix in sour cream and red pepper.
- Stir in chicken.
- Line a serving plate with tortilla chips.
- Mound the salad onto the chips.
- Top with chopped tomato and shredded cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. If you want to add more protein, diced avocado or black beans can be excellent additions. For a spicier kick, add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. This salad also works well as a filling for wraps or served alongside Easy Squirrel Or Chicken Dumplings for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this colorful pasta salad as a main dish or a side at gatherings. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as part of a buffet alongside other favorites like Ham-N-Potato Church Soup. For a light and refreshing meal, complement it with a citrusy side salad or some fresh fruit.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tortilla chips may soften, so consider serving them freshly made alongside the leftover salad. To refresh the pasta salad, add a bit more sour cream or a splash of lime juice before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexicali Chicken Pasta Salad contains roughly 87 calories, with 6g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (71% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 556mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned?
Absolutely! You can use cooked, shredded fresh chicken for a more homemade flavor. Simply cook it beforehand and mix it in as you would the canned chicken. This will elevate the dish and allow you to control the seasoning better.
Is this pasta salad gluten-free?
The Suddenly Salad Italian Pasta Salad typically contains gluten. To make this dish gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients, including the dressing components, are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy the flavors without worry.
What can I add for extra crunch?
For added texture, consider incorporating diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or even crunchy nuts like toasted walnuts or sliced almonds. These additions can provide a delightful contrast to the creamy elements of the salad.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).