Viral Dill Pickle Bacon Crunch: The Ultimate Pasta Salad

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Viral Dill Pickle Bacon Pasta Salad

A savory, tangy pasta salad packed with crispy bacon pieces, crunchy mini cucumbers, diced dill pickles, and a rich, creamy brine-infused dressing.

★★★★★ (518 Ratings)

Prep Time 15 Mins

Cook Time 10 Mins

Servings 8

Ingredients

Creamy Pickle 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)

Salad Components

• 8 slices Bacon (Provides smoky, crispy texture)
• 8 ounces Short Pasta (Acts as the main ingredient)
• 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)
• to taste Salt and Pepper (For adjusting seasoning)

Instructions

Cooking Steps

1

Fill a large pot with water, bring it to a rolling boil over high heat.

2

Place the bacon pieces in a cold skillet and heat over medium-high heat until crispy.

3

Cook the short pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions; aim for al dente.

4

In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle brine, yellow mustard, kosher salt, and sugar, whisking until smooth.

5

Once pasta is cooled, mix in pickles, cucumbers, cheese, onions, and bacon bits, then add remaining dressing and toss.

6

Serve immediately or chill in the fridge before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type of short pasta to use for this recipe? Rotini, cavatappi, or shell pasta work beautifully here! Their ridges and hollow shapes are absolutely perfect for trapping the creamy pickle dressing and holding onto the small bits of bacon and dill.

Can I make this Dill Pickle Bacon Pasta Salad ahead of time? Yes, you absolutely can! Making it a few hours in advance allows the flavors to meld together perfectly. If you are keeping it in the fridge overnight, you might want to hold back a tablespoon or two of dressing or pickle brine to toss in right before serving, as the pasta will absorb the moisture.

How long will leftovers keep in the refrigerator? Stored inside an airtight container, your leftover pasta salad will keep brilliantly for up to 3 to 4 days. Note that the bacon pieces will soften slightly over time, but the overall crunch and flavor profile will remain incredibly delicious.