Dill Pickle Bacon Pasta Salad Recipe
Introduction
Dill Pickle Bacon Pasta Salad is a delightful mix of smoky bacon, tangy pickles, and creamy dressing, perfect for summer gatherings or potlucks. This flavorful salad balances crunch and creaminess, making it a crowd-pleaser every time.
Ingredients
- Dressing:
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream
- 1/4 cup Pickle Brine
- 1 tablespoon Yellow Mustard
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- Salad:
- 8 slices Bacon
- 8 ounces Short Pasta
- 1 cup Pickles, chopped
- 1 cup Mini Cucumbers, sliced
- 1 cup Mild Cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup Red Onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Fresh Dill, chopped
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
- Step 2: Place the bacon slices in a cold skillet and heat over medium-high heat until they are crispy, turning as needed. Once done, drain on paper towels and crumble into pieces.
- Step 3: Cook the short pasta in the boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool, then set aside.
- Step 4: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle brine, yellow mustard, kosher salt, and sugar. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
- Step 5: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped pickles, sliced mini cucumbers, cubed cheese, chopped red onions, crumbled bacon, and fresh dill.
- Step 6: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Step 7: Serve immediately for best flavor or chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra tang, add a little more pickle brine or substitute dill pickles with spicy ones for a kick.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed for dietary preferences.
- Swap the mild cheese for cheddar or pepper jack to change the flavor profile.
- Chill the salad overnight to let flavors meld for deeper taste.
Storage
Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving. The salad can be served cold or at room temperature. Avoid freezing as dressing and vegetables may separate or become watery.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad tastes even better after chilling for a few hours. Prepare it up to a day in advance and keep refrigerated.
What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta shapes like rotini, elbow macaroni, or penne work best as they hold the dressing well and mix easily with the other ingredients.
PrintDill Pickle Bacon Pasta Salad Recipe
This Dill Pickle Bacon Pasta Salad is a creamy, tangy, and smoky dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing side. Featuring crispy bacon, crunchy pickles, fresh mini cucumbers, and a zesty dill-infused dressing, this salad combines textures and flavors that delight the palate. The short pasta creates a hearty base, balanced by a creamy dressing made with mayo, sour cream, and pickle brine. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a crowd-pleasing addition to any meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream
- 1/4 cup Pickle Brine
- 1 tablespoon Yellow Mustard
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
Salad
- 8 slices Bacon
- 8 ounces Short Pasta (such as rotini or penne)
- 1 cup Pickles, chopped
- 1 cup Mini Cucumbers, sliced
- 1 cup Mild Cheese, cubed or shredded
- 1/2 cup Red Onions, finely diced
- 1/4 cup Fresh Dill, chopped
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Add salt to the boiling water, then add the short pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- Cook the Bacon: Place the bacon slices in a cold skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Cook the bacon until it is crispy and golden brown, turning occasionally. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain excess fat, then chop into small pieces or crumble.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle brine, yellow mustard, kosher salt, and sugar. Whisk all ingredients together until smooth and well blended. Adjust seasoning according to taste.
- Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, chopped pickles, sliced mini cucumbers, cubed or shredded cheese, finely diced red onions, fresh chopped dill, and crisp bacon pieces.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the mixed salad ingredients. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Serve or Chill: The pasta salad can be served immediately for a slightly warmer salad or chilled in the refrigerator for an hour or more to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow the salad to chill for at least an hour before serving.
- You can substitute dill pickles with bread-and-butter pickles for a sweeter twist.
- Add more pickle brine if you prefer a tangier dressing.
- Use your favorite short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells for texture variation.
- For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Keywords: Dill Pickle Bacon Pasta Salad, pasta salad recipe, bacon pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, picnic recipes, summer salads, dill pickle recipes
