Chicken Taco Macaroni Salad

For a unique and flavorful pasta salad, try this delicious chicken taco macaroni salad. An easy potluck favorite that’s sure to please!

For a flavorful twist on the classic macaroni salad that will bring a smile to your family’s faces, look no further than this Chicken Taco Macaroni Salad.

This easy-to-make salad features classic Mexican flavours like cilantro, jalapeno, and tasty taco seasoning. It’s perfect for BBQs, potlucks, and more!

It also packs in some protein with chicken breast pieces as well – so it can easily be enjoyed as lunch or a light dinner.

Get ready to enjoy this bright and zesty pasta salad tonight with our Chicken Taco Macaroni Salad recipe – your family will love it!

How to Store Macaroni Salad

This pasta salad should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge, and if stored properly should be good for 3-4 days.

In fact making this salad ahead of time and serving it the next day can really improve the flavour as dressing marinates with all the ingredients. Just make sure you start off with al dente pasta that has been rinsed off well.

For food safety, do not leave out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

What Can I add to this Macaroni Salad?

I think this mexican-inspired pasta salad is pretty perfect as is but you may be missing some of the ingredients and looking for variations. Try adding some of the following ingredients:

• Sliced olives
• Ripe Avocado
• Red Bell Pepper
• 1 Cup Chunky salsa
• Can of black beans
• Corn kernels
• Cotija Cheese or Feta cheese
• Cherry Tomatoes
• Red onion

About the Ingredients for Chicken Taco Macaroni Salad

Pasta – Feel free to swap other short cut pasta such as farfalle, cavatappi, or conchigliette for the macaroni. Don’t forget to salt your water for cooking the pasta.

Mayo – Use your favourite brand of mayonnaise or feel free to swap with Miracle whip, plain greek yogurt, or even sour cream.

Seasoning – Taco seasoning flavours the pasta salad.You should also season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Chicken – You can poach two chicken breasts and cube it or take a shortcut and cube rotisserie chicken.

Peppers – Red pepper adds a sweet crunch, feel free to swap with green or yellow if you prefer. Jalapeno adds a nice smokiness. If you want a kick of spice then include the seeds and all.

Cheese – I used a mix of cheddar and pepper jack, which I highly recommend for this salad. You could use all one or the other, or any other mixture of shredded cheese. Shred your cheese by hand for the best flavour.

Looking for More Salad Recipes?

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This grilled crack corn salad recipe pairs sweet and salty for an unexpectedly delicious summer side dish that pairs well with grilled meat!

How to Make Chicken Taco Macaroni Salad

Yields: 6 Servings | Prep time: 20 Minutes | Chill time: 1 Hour

Ingredients:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 Tablespoons taco seasoning
• 2 cups cubed cooked chicken
• 1/2 red pepper, diced
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• Cilantro, for serving

Directions:

Cook the pasta according to the package directions, then rinse under cold water, and drain completely.

Combine the mayonnaise and taco seasoning in a large bowl.

Add the pasta, chicken, red pepper, jalapeno, and cheese then combine well with a spatula.

Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour prior to serving.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, then sprinkle with cilantro before serving.