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Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Homemade with Bacon Eggs & Cheddar

creamy dill pickle pasta salad - featured image

A quick and easy creamy dill pickle pasta salad featuring sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and a tangy dill pickle dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a satisfying side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni or small shell pasta
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
  • 3 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
  • 1 cup finely chopped dill pickles
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of elbow macaroni or small shell pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse with cold water. Let drain completely and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  2. While pasta cooks, fry 6 slices of bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8 minutes. Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, bake bacon at 400°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway.
  3. Place 3 large eggs in a saucepan, cover with cold water by an inch, bring to a boil, then cover and remove from heat. Let sit for 10 minutes. Drain, cool under cold water, peel, and chop.
  4. Finely chop 1 cup dill pickles and 1 tablespoon fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried). If using, chop green onions or chives.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice, 1 teaspoon yellow mustard, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Add shredded cheddar, chopped bacon, chopped eggs, and chopped pickles to the pasta bowl. Pour dressing over and gently toss until evenly coated, being careful not to mash eggs or pickles.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld. Stir gently before serving. Garnish with reserved bacon pieces and fresh dill or chives if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent clumping. Use freshly cooked bacon for best flavor and texture. Mix dressing separately before combining. Chill at least 1 hour for best flavor. Stir gently to keep eggs and pickles intact. Adjust seasoning after mixing as bacon and pickles add saltiness. Add extra mayo or pickle juice if salad seems dry after chilling.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, dill pickle, creamy dressing, bacon, cheddar, eggs, picnic, potluck, easy recipe