Description
This Dill Pickle Chicken Pasta Salad is a flavorful and creamy dish that combines crispy chicken bacon, tangy pickle brine, fresh dill, and crunchy mini cucumbers with tender pasta. Perfectly balanced with a zesty dressing made from mayonnaise, sour cream, and yellow mustard, this salad is a refreshing and satisfying meal or side dish that will wow your taste buds in just 45 minutes.
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
Salad
- 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 or shredded (such as cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- 1/2 cup Red Onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Fresh Dill, chopped
- To taste Salt and Pepper
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Begin by filling a large pot with water and bringing it to a rolling boil over high heat. Add salt to the boiling water and cook the short pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Cook Chicken Bacon: Place the chicken bacon slices in a cold skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Cook, flipping occasionally, until the bacon becomes crispy. Remove from heat and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle brine, yellow mustard, kosher salt, and sugar until smooth and well combined to form a creamy, tangy dressing.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Once the pasta is cooled, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Add chopped pickles, sliced mini cucumbers, mild cheese, red onions, fresh dill, and the crispy chicken bacon bits.
- Toss Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss everything thoroughly so that the dressing coats all components evenly. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill and Serve: You can serve the pasta salad immediately or cover and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to enhance the flavors. Serve chilled or at room temperature for best taste.
Notes
- The pickle brine adds a unique tangy flavor; adjust the amount according to your taste preference.
- For a healthier option, consider using low-fat mayonnaise and sour cream.
- Chicken bacon can be substituted with turkey bacon or regular bacon if preferred.
- Make sure to cool the pasta completely before mixing with the dressing to avoid a watery salad.
- This salad tastes great the next day, as flavors meld even more after chilling overnight.
- Add chopped celery or bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Dill pickle chicken pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, chicken bacon pasta salad, tangy pasta salad, easy summer salad
