Description
This Dill Pickle Bacon Pasta Salad blends creamy dressing, crunchy pickles, crispy bacon, and tender pasta into a bold, tangy dish that works beautifully for gatherings, lunches, and summer meals.
Ingredients
Scale
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, chopped
- 1 cup mild cheese, cubed or shredded
- 1/2 cup red onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Make sure the water reaches a full rolling boil before adding the pasta.
- Put the bacon into a cold skillet with no added oil. Turn the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon turns crisp and browned. Move it to a paper towel-lined plate so the excess fat can drain off.
- Salt the boiling water generously, then add the short pasta. Cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and let it cool to room temperature.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle brine, yellow mustard, kosher salt, and sugar until the dressing is smooth and fully combined.
- Once the pasta has cooled, place it in a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped pickles, cucumbers, cheese, red onions, and the cooled bacon pieces.
- Pour in the dressing and toss everything together gently until the pasta and add-ins are evenly coated.
- Taste the salad and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately, or cover and chill the salad in the refrigerator before serving.
Notes
- For the best flavor, chill Dill Pickle Bacon Pasta Salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Add extra fresh dill just before serving for a brighter finish.
- Reserve a little dressing if you want to refresh the salad after chilling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg