Dill Pickle Bacon Pasta Salad
A creamy, smoky pasta salad that combines the tang of dill pickles with fresh vegetables, perfect for barbecues and potlucks.
Ingredients
For the salad
- 8 ounces Short Pasta Acts as the main ingredient
- 8 slices Bacon Provides smoky, crispy texture
- 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
For the 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
- to taste Salt and Pepper For adjusting seasoning
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add 8 ounces of short pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8–10 minutes, until al dente.
- Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Prepare the Bacon
- In a large skillet, cook 8 slices of bacon over medium-high heat for about 8–10 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
- Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on paper towels to drain, preserving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan for flavor.
Make the Dressing
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup pickle brine, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon sugar.
- Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Combine the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, the crispy bacon (chopped into bite-sized pieces), 1 cup of diced pickles, 1 cup of mini cucumbers (sliced), 1 cup of shredded mild cheese, 1/2 cup of diced red onions, and 1/4 cup of freshly chopped dill.
Mix It Up
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently fold it all together until everything is evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix to preserve the textures.
Chill and Serve
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
Consider plating the salad with garnishes like fresh dill or bacon bits for visual appeal. It pairs well with grilled meats and crusty bread.