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Black Bean-Chicken Pasta Salad with Creamy Cilantro Pesto Dressing




List of Ingredients



• 2 teaspoons olive oil
  
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into 1/2" strips
  
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
  
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
  
• 8 ounces cooked pasta, such as tubes, elbows or spirals
  
• 1 large tomato, chopped
  
• 1 can ( 15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
  
• 1 avocado, chopped
  
• Creamy Cilantro Pesto Dressing:
  
• 1 1/2 cups chopped Cilantro
  
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  
• 1/3 cups pecans
  
• 1/3 cup olive oil
  
• 1/3 cup light cream
  
• juice of 1 lime
  
• 1/8 tsp. ground red pepper, or more to taste
  
• 2 cloves garlic
  






Instructions



1. Prepare dressing. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   
   
2. Cook chicken in hot oil for 6-8 minutes , stirring occasionally, unitl no longer pink in th center. Toss chicken, chili powder, garlic and salt. ( add more seasonings to taste if you wish ) Set chicken aside.
   
   
3. Combine all ingredients.
   
   
4. For dressing, put all ingredients in food processor or blender. Process until smooth.