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Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe with Crispy Bacon and Cheddar for Easy Summer Meals

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A tangy and creamy pasta salad featuring dill pickles, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar, perfect for summer gatherings and quick side dishes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni or small shells
  • 1 cup diced dill pickles (about 5–6 medium pickles)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (can substitute with Greek yogurt)
  • 3 tablespoons dill pickle juice
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill
  • 3 stalks green onion, thinly sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions (8-10 minutes) until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain thoroughly.
  2. While pasta is cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 6 slices thick-cut bacon and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain fat. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, 3 tablespoons dill pickle juice, and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard until smooth. Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. Add the cooled pasta, 1 cup diced dill pickles, chopped bacon, 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar, and 3 thinly sliced green onions into the bowl with dressing. Gently fold everything together to coat evenly without breaking the pasta or crushing the pickles.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Before serving, gently stir the salad, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve cold or at room temperature. Garnish with extra fresh dill or a sprinkle of cheddar if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta to keep it al dente and prevent mushiness. Cook bacon over medium heat for even crispiness. Chill salad for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor. Add bacon just before serving to keep it crispy. Fresh dill is preferred; if using dried, use less and add earlier to rehydrate. For dairy-free or vegetarian versions, substitute ingredients as suggested.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, dill pickle, bacon, cheddar, summer recipe, creamy pasta salad, picnic side, barbecue side dish

Find it online: https://bitesienna.com/creamy-dill-pickle-pasta-salad-recipe-with-crispy-bacon-and-cheddar-for-easy-summer-meals/