Description
This creamy halal-friendly pasta salad substitutes bacon with grilled chicken for a rich, cheesy dish that’s ready in 25 minutes. Tangy yet comforting, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or buffets.
Ingredients
16 oz rotini or penne pasta (1 cup per 8 servings)
1 cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)
1 cup sour cream or buttermilk
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
1 lb grilled, crumbled chicken
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp)
1/2 cup chopped green onions or chives
Optional: 1 cup chopped cherry tomatoes or cooked peas
Instructions
Bring 4 quarts salted water to a boil in a large pot
Submerge pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente
Drain pasta and rinse with cold water to stop cooking
In a 4-quart bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream/buttermilk, and ranch seasoning; whisk vigorously for 2 minutes
Add cooled pasta, crumbled chicken, cheddar, and green onions to the dressing
Fold in optional fresh veggies like cherry tomatoes or peas if using
Toss until all ingredients are evenly coated
Chill for at least 30 minutes (preferred 8 hours) for flavors to meld before serving
Notes
Use gluten-free pasta for dietary adaptations
Chives may replace green onions if unavailable
Ranch seasoning alternatives require trial for equivalent flavor
Chilling enhances creaminess but recipe is edible immediately
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: DINNER
- Method: Refrigeration/Combining
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1-1.5 cups
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 100mg