Creamy Chicken Rotini Salad with Peas and Carrots
This refreshing Creamy Chicken Rotini Salad is the perfect way to utilize leftover chicken, packed with vibrant flavors and nutrients. Combining tender rotini pasta, sweet frozen peas, and crunchy carrots, it's a delightful dish for lunch or a fantastic addition to your next potluck. The creamy dressing, made from mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and dill pickle relish, adds a punch of flavor while keeping the salad light and satisfying. Enjoy this dish chilled for a refreshing meal any time of the year!
6
Servings
300
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggs
2 (Boiled and chopped)
Uncooked rotini pasta
4 ounces (Cooked according to package instructions)
Frozen baby peas
2 cups (Added to pasta during the last 4 minutes of cooking)
Cooked chicken
2 cups (Cubed)
Carrot
1 cup (Sliced)
Mayonnaise
3/4 cup (N/A)
Milk
1/4 cup (N/A)
Dill pickle relish
2 tablespoons (N/A)
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Sugar
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Instructions
1
Begin by placing the eggs in a small saucepan, covering them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the eggs simmer for about 15 minutes. After cooking, drain the hot water and run cold water over the eggs to stop the cooking process. Once cool, peel the eggs and chop them into small pieces.
2
While the eggs are cooking, prepare the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches your desired doneness. In the final 4 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas to the boiling pasta. After cooking, drain the pasta and peas, then rinse them with cold water to cool them down completely.
3
In a separate small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, milk, dill pickle relish, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the dressing is well blended and smooth.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta and peas, chopped eggs, cubed cooked chicken, and sliced carrots. Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently stir to combine all the ingredients evenly, ensuring everything is coated with the dressing.
5
Serve the salad immediately or cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you're ready to serve. The flavors will meld beautifully as it chills.
Nutrition Information
21.67
Fat
20
Carbs
12.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chicken Rotini Salad with Peas and Carrots?
It is a refreshing pasta salad that combines tender rotini, cooked chicken, sweet peas, and crunchy carrots in a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and dill pickle relish.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
How long should I boil the eggs for this recipe?
The eggs should be simmered for about 15 minutes after the water reaches a boil to ensure they are hard-boiled.
How do I prevent the eggs from overcooking?
Once the eggs have finished simmering, drain the hot water and run cold water over them immediately to stop the cooking process.
When should I add the frozen peas to the pasta?
Add the frozen baby peas to the boiling pasta water during the final 4 minutes of the pasta's cooking time.
What ingredients are used in the creamy dressing?
The dressing is made by whisking together mayonnaise, milk, dill pickle relish, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?
Yes, rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken works perfectly for this recipe as long as it is cubed.
Is it necessary to rinse the pasta with cold water?
Yes, rinsing the pasta and peas with cold water after draining is essential to cool them down completely before mixing with the dressing.
How should I prepare the carrots?
The carrots should be sliced before being added to the salad mixture.
Can I make this chicken rotini salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate it until you are ready to serve. Chilling the salad actually allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Rotini pasta is recommended because its spiral shape holds the creamy dressing well.
How much fat is in one serving?
One serving contains 21.67 grams of fat.
What is the protein content of this salad?
Each serving provides 12.5 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this salad suitable for a potluck?
Absolutely, it is a fantastic potluck recipe because it is served cold and the flavors hold up well over time.
Can I substitute the mayonnaise?
While mayonnaise provides the classic creaminess, you can try substituting part of it with Greek yogurt for a different flavor profile.
What kind of mustard is used?
The recipe calls specifically for Dijon mustard to give the dressing a punch of flavor.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be covered with plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator.
Is there sugar in this recipe?
Yes, a small amount (1/4 teaspoon) of sugar is added to the dressing to balance the flavors.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh peas, though you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly so they are tender.
Does this recipe use dill or sweet relish?
This recipe specifically uses dill pickle relish for a tangy, savory taste.
How much pasta is required?
You will need 4 ounces of uncooked rotini pasta.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Yes, you could easily add celery, red onions, or bell peppers for extra crunch and flavor.
Is this salad served hot?
No, this is a cold salad dish. It should be served immediately after mixing or chilled in the refrigerator.
What is the purpose of milk in the dressing?
The milk helps to thin the mayonnaise and relish mixture into a smooth, pourable dressing consistency.
Is this recipe good for using up leftover chicken?
Yes, it is specifically described as a perfect way to utilize leftover chicken.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, while rotini is suggested, other short pastas like fusilli, farfalle, or penne would work well.
How much chicken is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of cubed cooked chicken.
How much dill pickle relish is in the dressing?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of dill pickle relish.