Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad with Bacon
The best Pickle Pasta Salad for summer! Featuring crunchy dills, sharp cheddar, and bacon, this easy recipe uses a unique brine-soak technique for the boldest flavor. A must-have for potluck season!
Ingredients
- 16 oz rotini pasta
- 1.5 cups diced dill pickles (approx. 6-8 large spears)
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese (diced into small cubes)
- 2 oz bagged real bacon pieces
- ⅓ cup red onion (finely minced)
- ¼ cup fresh dill (chopped)
For the Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup dill pickle juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, but do not rinse.
- Pour ½ cup of pickle juice over the hot pasta. Toss gently and let it sit for 15–20 minutes to absorb the brine.
- Whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, black pepper, and the remaining tablespoon of pickle juice.
- Dice the pickles, cube the cheddar cheese, and finely mince the red onion.
- Combine the room-temperature pasta with the pickles, cheese, onion, and bacon.
- Fold in the creamy dressing until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- Toss one more time before serving, adding a splash of extra pickle juice if needed, and garnish with fresh dill.
Notes
- Do not rinse pasta - starch helps the dressing cling.
- Use refrigerated dill pickles for best crunch and flavor.
- Chill at least 2 hours before serving for best taste and texture.
- Stir in a splash of pickle juice or milk if salad becomes dry after chilling.
- Salad tastes best the next day and is ideal for make-ahead prep.
- Dice pickles and cheese to match pasta size for balanced bites.
- Use fresh dill for best flavor, but dried dill can be substituted.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 466kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 14gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 11gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 47mgSodium: 819mgPotassium: 183mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 444IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 199mgIron: 1mg
