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–+ servings
Dill Pickle Bacon Pasta Salad

Dill Pickle Bacon Pasta Salad: A Tangy Twist for Gatherings

This Dill Pickle Bacon Pasta Salad combines crispy bacon and crunchy dill pickles for a refreshing, tangy dish perfect for gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: PASTA
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Greek yogurt can be used for a lighter option.
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream Use extra mayonnaise if you're out.
  • 1/4 cup Pickle Brine Always use the reserved brine for the best flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Yellow Mustard Consider Dijon mustard for a sophisticated twist.
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Adjust to your preference.
  • 1 tablespoon Sugar Reduce or omit for less sweetness.
For the Salad
  • 8 slices Bacon Swap for turkey bacon or tempeh for a lighter option.
  • 2 cups Short Pasta Macaroni, rotini, or penne works best.
  • 1 cup Pickles Use firm dill spears or sandwich slices.
  • 1 cup Mini Cucumbers Regular cucumber can substitute if mini isn’t available.
  • 1 cup Mild Cheese Crumbled feta or goat cheese can add a tangy twist.
  • 1/2 cup Red Onions Soaking in water can tone down sharpness.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Dill Feel free to use other herbs.
  • to taste Salt and Pepper Always taste before serving.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • whisk
  • Paper towels

Method
 

Make the Salad
  1. Boil Water: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the short pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Cook Bacon: In a cold skillet, add bacon strips and cook until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
  3. Mix Dressing: In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle brine, mustard, salt, and sugar. Whisk until smooth.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Add cooled pasta, chopped pickles, diced cucumbers, cheese, red onions, and bacon to the bowl. Gently mix.
  5. Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat everything well.
  6. Serve: Enjoy immediately or chill for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Garnish with fresh dill before serving for an extra touch of flavor. This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for up to 3 days in the fridge.

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