Description
This Dill Pickle Bacon Pasta Salad is a creamy, tangy, and irresistibly addictive dish that combines smoky crispy bacon, tangy pickles, fresh cucumbers, and a zesty dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, and pickle brine. Perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or a flavorful side dish, this salad offers a delightful balance of textures and bright flavors.
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, sliced
- 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
- Boil Pasta: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat, adding a pinch of salt to season the water. Cook the short pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
- Cook Bacon: Place the bacon slices in a cold skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Cook, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and browned. Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, crumble into bite-sized pieces.
- Make Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle brine, yellow mustard, kosher salt, and sugar until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, chopped pickles, sliced mini cucumbers, cubed or shredded mild cheese, chopped red onions, crumbled bacon, and fresh dill.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill and Serve: You can serve the salad immediately but chilling it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes helps meld the flavors beautifully. Garnish with additional fresh dill before serving if desired.
Notes
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor combination.
- Garnish with extra fresh dill for a burst of freshness and added visual appeal.
- Use mild cheese such as mozzarella or cheddar for best results.
- Ensure pasta is thoroughly cooled before adding dressing to prevent wilting of fresh ingredients.
- Adjust salt depending on the saltiness of your bacon and pickles.
