Chunky Chicken Salad(Makes 6 To 8 Servings)
A colorful, hearty chicken salad featuring rotini pasta, fresh vegetables, cheese, and a tangy Italian dressing, perfect for casual gatherings or quick family meals.
Ingredients
- 1/2 (1 lb.) pkg. Creamettes rotini (uncooked) ⓘ
- 1 cup frozen corn, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced stuffed olives ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup julienne strips Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 3/4 cup bottled Italian salad dressing ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 (5 oz.) cans Hormel chunk chicken, drained and flaked
Instructions
- Prepare rotini according to package directions; drain.
- In large bowl, combine cooked rotini, cooked and drained corn, chopped red bell pepper, sliced mushrooms, sliced olives, sliced celery, chopped onion, and julienne strips of Cheddar cheese.
- In small bowl, blend Italian salad dressing, mayonnaise, and black pepper.
- Add the dressing mixture to the salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Gently stir in drained and flaked chicken.
- Serve immediately or cover and chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. You can also customize the salad by adding ingredients like diced avocado or cherry tomatoes. If you prefer a heartier salad, try incorporating cooked quinoa or chickpeas. To make it gluten-free, replace the rotini with a gluten-free pasta. This chunky chicken salad is versatile and can be adjusted according to your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chunky chicken salad on a bed of greens for a refreshing meal. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or as a filling in wraps. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of fruit salad or pairing it with a light soup, such as Turkey-Vegetable Soup. This dish is perfect for picnics or potlucks, making it a great option for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld beautifully as it sits, making it even tastier the next day. If you plan to reheat it, consider warming it gently in the microwave; however, it’s also delicious served cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chunky Chicken Salad(Makes 6 To 8 Servings) contains roughly 397 calories, with 6g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 547mg 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 make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. However, if you add the chicken too early, it may become dry, so consider stirring it in just before serving for the best texture.
What can I substitute for the chicken?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can easily replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for added protein. Alternatively, for a different flavor, try using canned tuna or shredded rotisserie chicken, which will give you a similar texture and taste.
How can I make this salad spicier?
To add some heat to the salad, consider incorporating chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the dressing. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes over the salad before serving. Adjust the spice level according to your preference to achieve the desired kick.
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).