Dill Pickle Bacon Pasta Salad That Will Wow Your Taste Buds Recipe

Introduction

This Dill Pickle Bacon Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on a classic side dish. Combining creamy, tangy dressing with smoky bacon and fresh cucumbers, it’s guaranteed to impress your taste buds at any gathering.

A bowl filled with creamy pasta salad made of short spiral pasta in a pale yellow color, mixed with small pieces of crispy reddish-brown bacon scattered throughout. There are green pickle slices and finely chopped purple-red onions mixed in, all coated with a creamy white dressing speckled with herbs. Bright green dill sprigs are placed on top, adding freshness. The bowl is white and sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream
  • 1/4 cup Pickle Brine
  • 1 tablespoon Yellow Mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar
  • 8 slices Bacon
  • 8 ounces Short Pasta
  • 1 cup Pickles
  • 1 cup Mini Cucumbers
  • 1 cup Mild Cheese
  • 1/2 cup Red Onions
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Dill
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Add salt to the water.
  2. Step 2: Cook the short pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
  3. Step 3: Place bacon slices in a cold skillet. Heat over medium-high and cook until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, then crumble into pieces.
  4. Step 4: In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle brine, yellow mustard, kosher salt, and sugar until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Chop the pickles, mini cucumbers, mild cheese, and red onions into bite-sized pieces. Add them to the cooled pasta along with the crumbled bacon.
  6. Step 6: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Add fresh dill, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything gently to combine.
  7. Step 7: Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra crunch, add chopped celery or bell peppers.
  • Use dill pickle relish if you prefer smaller pickle pieces throughout the salad.
  • Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to lighten the dressing.
  • Add a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra bright, fresh flavor.
  • Serve with grilled chicken for a complete meal.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving. This salad tastes best when served cold and should be eaten within a few days for optimal freshness. Avoid freezing as the texture may change.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a wooden bowl filled with creamy pasta salad showing three main layers: the light yellow twisted pasta forming the base, scattered green cucumber slices with a slightly glossy texture sitting on top, and small crispy red bacon bits along with sprinkles of fresh green dill evenly spread across for color contrast and texture variation. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface with some fresh dill sprigs visible nearby, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours or even the day before serving. Just keep it refrigerated and give it a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.

What type of pasta works best for this salad?

Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni work well as they hold the dressing and mix nicely with the other ingredients.

Print

Dill Pickle Bacon Pasta Salad That Will Wow Your Taste Buds Recipe

This Dill Pickle Bacon Pasta Salad combines smoky crispy bacon, tangy pickles, and creamy dressing to create a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for summer gatherings or potlucks. The mayonnaise and sour cream-based dressing, enhanced with pickle brine and mustard, ties the flavors together beautifully, while fresh dill and crunchy cucumbers add a burst of freshness.

  • Author: Hannah
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Dressing

  • 1 cup Mayonnaise – Adds creaminess to the salad
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream – Offers tangy flavor
  • 1/4 cup Pickle Brine – Infuses dressing with tanginess
  • 1 tablespoon Yellow Mustard – Enhances flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt – Elevates taste
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar – Balances tanginess

Salad

  • 8 slices Bacon – Provides smoky, crispy texture
  • 8 ounces Short Pasta – Acts as the main ingredient
  • 1 cup Pickles – Adds refreshing crunch
  • 1 cup Mini Cucumbers – Contributes fresh bite
  • 1 cup Mild Cheese – Offers creamy texture
  • 1/2 cup Red Onions – Brings color and bite
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Dill – Adds freshness
  • To taste Salt and Pepper – For adjusting seasoning

Instructions

  1. Boil Pasta: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Add salt to the boiling water, then cook the short pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
  2. Cook Bacon: Place the bacon slices in a cold skillet. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and cook the bacon until crispy. Remove bacon from skillet, drain on paper towels, and crumble into small pieces.
  3. Prepare Dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle brine, yellow mustard, kosher salt, and sugar. Whisk the ingredients together until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
  4. Combine Salad: Once the pasta has cooled, place it in a large bowl. Add chopped pickles, sliced mini cucumbers, diced mild cheese, diced red onions, and the crispy bacon bits. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Season and Chill: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately or cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.

Notes

  • Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and improve the overall taste.
  • Garnish with extra fresh dill before serving for an additional burst of freshness.
  • Use short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or macaroni for best results.
  • For a lighter option, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
  • The salad can be prepared a day ahead, but add bacon just before serving to maintain crispness.

Keywords: Dill Pickle Bacon Pasta Salad, Bacon Pasta Salad, Pickle Pasta Salad, Creamy Pasta Salad, Bacon Salad Recipe, Summer Pasta Salad

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