• Now, I won’t leave you hanging. Let’s dive into the steps of whipping up this delightful salad. Trust me, it’s as easy as pie!

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once the water is bubbling like an enthusiastic crowd at a concert, add the rotini pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente – tender but still with a slight bite. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.

Step 2: Drain and Rinse

• As soon as the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander. Give it a quick rinse with cold water. This step cools down the pasta and prevents it from sticking together. Nobody wants a clumpy salad!

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

• While the pasta is cooking, chop the bell pepper, red onion, and tomatoes. Aim for uniform sizes, making everything delightful to the eye and easy to eat. Mix them in a large bowl along with the black beans and corn.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

• When the pasta has cooled, add it to the vegetable mixture. Toss in the grilled chicken, cilantro, and cumin. Pro tip: The more the merrier! Adjust the veggies and proteins as per your preference.

Step 5: Dress It Up

• Pour the creamy chipotle ranch dressing over the mixture. Gently toss everything together until each ingredient is coated in deliciousness. Don’t be shy – give it a good mix!

Step 6: Chill Before Serving

• Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors marry and enriches the whole dish. When it’s time to serve, give it a gentle toss. Voilà! You have a delectable Zaxby’s Pasta Salad ready to impress.