If you love bold, tangy flavors with a creamy twist, this one is going to steal your heart. The combination of crunchy pickles, smoky bacon, and a rich, herby dressing creates a pasta salad that is anything but ordinary.
This Dill Pickle Bacon Pasta Salad That Will Wow Your Taste Buds is one of those recipes I bring out when I want something fun, a little unexpected, and completely irresistible. It is creamy, zesty, and packed with texture in every bite. Let's get cooking!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Creamy, tangy, and full of bold flavor
- Loaded with crispy bacon and crunchy pickles
- Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, and summer meals
- Easy to make ahead
- A fun twist on classic pasta salad
- Crowd-pleasing and unforgettable
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked pasta (rotini or elbow), cooled
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup dill pickles, chopped
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
For the Dressing
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons pickle juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
I have made this for so many gatherings, and it always disappears fast.
- Pasta: Short shapes like rotini hold the dressing beautifully.
- Dill pickles: Go for crisp, flavorful pickles for the best crunch.
- Bacon: Adds that smoky, savory contrast to the tangy dressing.
- Pickle juice: This is the secret that ties everything together.
If you prefer a lighter version, you can swap part of the mayo for Greek yogurt.
Instructions
- Cook the pasta
Boil the pasta in salted water until tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely. - Prepare the dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. - Add the mix-ins
Stir in chopped pickles, red onion, cheddar cheese, fresh dill, and crumbled bacon.
- Combine everything
Add the cooled pasta and gently fold until everything is evenly coated. - Chill and develop flavor
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. The flavors blend together beautifully as it chills.
- Serve and enjoy
Give it a quick stir before serving and top with extra bacon or dill if you like.
Pro Tips for Success
- Cool the pasta completely before mixing to keep the dressing creamy
- Use thick-cut bacon for the best texture
- Taste and adjust seasoning after chilling
- Add extra pickle juice for more tang if you love bold flavor
- Chop ingredients evenly for a balanced bite
Storage and Reheating
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container
- Stir before serving to refresh the texture
- Best served cold
Make Ahead & Freezing
- Make it up to a day in advance for even better flavor
- Not ideal for freezing due to the creamy dressing
Tips and Variations
- Add diced chicken for a heartier version
- Swap cheddar for mozzarella for a milder flavor
- Mix in chopped celery for extra crunch
- Use turkey bacon if you prefer a lighter option
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle kick
FAQs
Yes, any short pasta works well.
Add a splash of pickle juice or a spoonful of mayo before serving.
Absolutely, it will still be delicious and tangy.
📖 Recipe
Dill Pickle Bacon Pasta Salad That Will Wow Your Taste Buds
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salads
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Dill Pickle Bacon Pasta Salad combines creamy, tangy, and smoky flavors for a delightful dish perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup pickle brine
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 8 slices bacon
- 8 ounces short pasta
- 1 cup pickles
- 1 cup mini cucumbers
- 1 cup mild cheese
- ½ cup red onions
- ¼ cup fresh dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Place the bacon pieces in a cold skillet and heat over medium-high heat until crispy.
- Cook the short pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle brine, yellow mustard, kosher salt, and sugar, whisking until smooth.
- Let the pasta cool completely.
- Mix the cooled pasta with pickles, cucumbers, cheese, red onions, and bacon bits.
- Add the dressing and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with extra fresh dill before serving if desired.
Notes
Chill for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavors. Garnish with extra fresh dill before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta salad shines at any casual gathering.
- Serve alongside grilled meats or BBQ dishes
- Add it to a picnic spread with fresh sides
- Pair with sandwiches for an easy lunch
It is one of those dishes that gets people asking, "What's in this?" after the first bite.
Nutrition & Notes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including chilling)
I have made this for potlucks and family dinners, and it always gets the same reaction. The tangy pickles and smoky bacon create such a fun, bold flavor combination.
Reader Reviews or Testimonials
"The pickle flavor is perfect, and the bacon adds such a great crunch."
"Everyone at the BBQ asked for this recipe. It was gone in minutes."
Related Recipes / Internal Links
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They pair beautifully with this pasta salad and round out a perfect meal.
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