I’m so excited to share one of my favorite recipes with you – Chicken Taco Pasta Salad!
This vibrant dish combines everything I love about tacos and pasta salad into one high-protein, delicious meal. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for those busy weeks when you need something quick yet satisfying.
This recipe has become a hit in my home, and I’m confident it’ll be the same for you. And if you’re a pasta salad fan like me, don’t miss our BLT Pasta Salad (a total crowd-pleaser) or our Classic Macro Friendly Pasta Salad – both perfect for summer BBQs or weekly meal prep.
3 Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Zesty flavors. We took a traditional pasta salad and gave it the ultimate twist – Tacos! Every bite is packed with the flavors of chicken tacos combined with the comfort of fluffy pasta.
- It’s a whole meal, not just a side dish. Most pasta salads are used as sides, but our Chicken Taco Pasta Salad is a whole meal in itself! With 37g of protein per serving, this dish will leave you feeling full and satisfied.
- It’s perfect for meal prepping. We love making a batch of this easy, high-protein salad to enjoy all week for lunch!
What Makes It Macro Friendly?
This Chicken Taco Pasta Salad isn’t just delicious; it’s designed to fit perfectly into your macro goals. Here’s why:
- High Protein: With lean chicken as the star, each serving packs a protein punch to help you stay full and fueled.
- Balanced Macros: We’ve paired protein with the right amount of carbs from pasta and healthy fats from taco-inspired toppings to create a well-rounded dish.
- Easy to Track: Pre-logged in MyFitnessPal and MacrosFirst, this recipe takes the guesswork out of tracking.
Whether you’re aiming for weight loss, building muscle, or simply maintaining a healthy lifestyle, this recipe makes hitting your macros simple, delicious, and stress-free.
If you’re just getting started with macros, check out our beginners guide to tracking macros!
Macros by the Numbers
| Macros | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 488 |
| Protein | 37g |
| Carbs | 60g |
| Fat | 11g |
MyFitnessPal & MacrosFirst Pre-Log
“FHM Chicken Taco Pasta Salad”
Dinner · Lunch · Serves 4
Chicken Taco Pasta Salad (High Protein!)
We’re thrilled to bring you a flavorful recipe that's guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds and nourish your body – our Chicken Taco Pasta Salad! This vibrant and delicious dish combines the best of both worlds: the irresistible flavors of tacos and the wholesome goodness of a pasta salad – it’s unlike any other dish you’ve tried!
7.6g protein per 100 cal
- Prep
- 15 mins
- Cook
- 10 mins
- Total
- 25 mins
Ingredients
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander or strainer
- Large mixing bowl
- Salad tongs or spoon
Instructions
-
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool the pasta down.
-
While the pasta cooks, open your canned beans and corn and drain. Microwave the chicken chunks according to the package instructions and cut into small, bite-sized pieces.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, corn, beans, and pico de gallo.
-
Pour the Bolthouse Farms Cilantro Avocado dressing over the ingredients. Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
-
Top with some chopped cilantro and enjoy!
Tami’s notes
You can use any type of pasta you prefer. If you want to boost the protein & fiber content slightly, go for chickpea pasta.
Customize your salad by adding any veggies of your choice.
If preparing this meal for meal prep, leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. It’s best to keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to maintain the salad’s freshness.
Nutrition
Per serving: Calories 488kcalProtein 37gCarbs 60gFat 11g
Nutrition is an estimate and will vary with the brands and amounts you use.
