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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
