Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Gather the following ingredients to prepare this delicious Dill Pickle Pasta Salad:

• 16-ounce box of short pasta (Rotini, elbows, or shells)
• 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
• 1/3 cup of dill pickle juice
• 2 cups of chopped dill pickles
• 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
• 1 cup of diced red onion
• 1 1/2 cups of mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup of sour cream
• 1/3 cup of dill pickle juice
• 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper

Directions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Dill Pickle Pasta Salad:

• Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
• Step 2: In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and place on paper towels to drain, then crumble into pieces.
• Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, dill pickles, cheddar cheese, and diced red onion.
• Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, dill pickle juice, fresh dill, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until smooth.
• Step 5: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and stir until everything is well coated.
• Step 6: Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.
• Step 7: Serve cold, garnished with additional dill or bacon if desired.

FAQs

• Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes! This Dill Pickle Pasta Salad can be made up to a day in advance, making it perfect for meal prep.
• How long does Dill Pickle Pasta Salad last in the fridge? It can last about 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container.
• Can I add other ingredients? Absolutely! You can customize it by adding veggies like bell peppers or even proteins like shredded chicken or tuna.
• What type of pasta works best for this recipe? Short pasta shapes like rotini or elbows work best as they capture the dressing and ingredients nicely.
• Is there a low-fat version of this salad? Yes! You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt and use turkey bacon for a lighter option.

Conclusion

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is not only simple to make but also immensely satisfying. The combination of crunchy pickles, crispy bacon, and creamy dressing will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for an easy meal prep idea, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Try it today and enjoy the delightful flavors of this easy-to-make pasta salad!