Description
This Dill Pickle Chicken Pasta Salad is a tangy, creamy, and flavorful dish perfect for a quick lunch or a picnic side. Combining crispy chicken bacon with fresh pickles, cucumbers, and a zesty dressing made from pickle brine, mayonnaise, and sour cream, this pasta salad offers a delightful crunch and irresistible taste that will wow your taste buds.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream
- 1/4 cup Pickle Brine
- 1 tablespoon Yellow Mustard
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
Main Ingredients
- 8 slices Chicken Bacon
- 8 ounces Short Pasta (such as rotini or penne)
- 1 cup Pickles, chopped
- 1 cup Mini Cucumbers, sliced
- 1 cup Mild Cheese, cubed (such as cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup Red Onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Fresh Dill, chopped
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Begin by filling a large pot with water and bringing it to a rolling boil over high heat. Add a pinch of salt to the water for flavor. Cook the short pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Cook Chicken Bacon: Place the chicken bacon slices in a cold skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Cook until crispy, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once done, remove the bacon and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle brine, yellow mustard, kosher salt, and sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta along with chopped pickles, sliced mini cucumbers, cubed mild cheese, chopped red onions, fresh dill, and the crispy chicken bacon bits.
- Toss Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the combined salad ingredients. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure the dressing coats all the components evenly.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the pasta salad immediately for a fresh taste, or cover and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken bacon with regular bacon or turkey bacon based on preference.
- Using mild cheese like mozzarella or cheddar works best to balance flavors without overpowering the salad.
- For best results, chill the salad before serving to enhance the flavors.
- If you prefer a tangier salad, add a bit more pickle brine to the dressing.
- This salad keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Dill Pickle Chicken Pasta Salad, creamy pasta salad, chicken bacon pasta salad, dill pickle recipe, easy summer salad
