What type of pasta works best?

Any short pasta shape is excellent here - rotini, macaroni, penne, or shells all work beautifully. The shape should be able to scoop up the creamy dressing and hold bits of bacon and pickle in every bite.

How do I choose the best pickles?

Look for dill pickles that are crisp and firm with a bright green color and no soft spots. Dill spears or sandwich slices with good crunch are ideal. Avoid bread-and-butter pickles as their sweetness will conflict with the savory, tangy dressing.

Can I freeze this pasta salad?

Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the pasta, vegetables, and creamy dressing all deteriorate significantly upon thawing.

Can I make this completely ahead for a party?

Yes. Cook the bacon and pasta and prepare the dressing up to 24 hours in advance, storing all components separately. Assemble the salad a few hours before the party and refrigerate with half the dressing reserved. Add the reserved dressing and fresh dill garnish just before serving.

Dill Pickle Bacon Pasta Salad Creamy Tangy and Totally Addictive

Name: The Best Dill Pickle Bacon Pasta Salad Creamy Smoky and Irresistible
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup dill pickle brine; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; 8 oz short pasta rotini macaroni or penne; 8 slices bacon; 1 cup dill pickles chopped; 1 cup mini cucumbers sliced; 1 cup mild cheese cubed or shredded; 1/2 cup red onion finely chopped; 1/4 cup fresh dill chopped; Salt and black pepper to taste

Description

A bold and creamy dill pickle bacon pasta salad with a tangy pickle brine dressing, crispy smoky bacon, fresh dill, and crunchy cucumbers. The most surprisingly addictive pasta salad you will ever make!

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 cup dill pickle brine

1 tablespoon yellow mustard

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon granulated sugar

8 oz short pasta rotini macaroni or penne

8 slices bacon

1 cup dill pickles chopped

1 cup mini cucumbers sliced

1 cup mild cheese cubed or shredded

1/2 cup red onion finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh dill chopped

Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook bacon in a cold skillet over medium-high heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble. Set aside.

2. Cook pasta in generously salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and cool completely. Do not rinse.

3. Whisk mayo, sour cream, pickle brine, mustard, salt, and sugar until smooth. Reserve half the dressing for serving.

4. Once pasta is fully cooled, combine with pickles, cucumbers, cheese, red onion, and crumbled bacon in the dressing bowl.

5. Fold in fresh dill and toss until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper.

6. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes. Before serving add reserved dressing and toss gently. Garnish with extra fresh dill.

Notes

Reserve half the dressing and add just before serving to keep the salad fresh and creamy.

Cook pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Do not rinse pasta after draining.

Store up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

Pickle brine is essential for the signature tangy dressing flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Salad, Side Dish
Method: Boiling, Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 420
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 820mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: dill pickle bacon pasta salad, pickle pasta salad, bacon pasta salad, creamy pickle dressing pasta salad, easy summer pasta salad