Dill pickle bacon ranch pasta is a flavorful and unique dish that combines tangy pickles, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing for a one-of-a-kind pasta salad. It’s perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or as a side dish for any occasion. The blend of salty, tangy, and smoky flavors makes this dish an instant crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold, tangy flavor with a delightful crunch from dill pickles.
- Smoky bacon adds a savory depth to the dish.
- Creamy ranch dressing ties everything together perfectly.
- Quick and easy to make, with minimal prep time.
- Perfect for summer gatherings or as a meal-prep dish.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pasta (rotini, bowties, or shells work well)
- Bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- Dill pickles (chopped)
- Cheddar cheese (shredded or cubed)
- Red onion (diced)
- Fresh dill (chopped)
For the Dressing:
- Ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Pickle juice
- Mayonnaise (optional, for added creaminess)
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and black pepper
Directions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool. Set aside.
- Prepare the Bacon:
- Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble into small pieces. Set aside.
- Mix the Dressing:
- In a bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, pickle juice, mayonnaise (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta with chopped dill pickles, bacon, cheddar cheese, red onion, and fresh dill.
- Add the Dressing:
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve:
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled and garnish with extra dill or bacon if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 6-8 servings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes.
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes (pasta and bacon).
- Chill Time: 1 hour.
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes.
Variations
- Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets instead of pasta.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based bacon and vegan ranch dressing.
- Add Protein: Toss in shredded chicken or diced ham for a heartier dish.
- Extra Crunch: Sprinkle with crumbled potato chips or fried onions before serving.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Serve cold or at room temperature; this dish is not meant to be reheated.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or macaroni works well.
How do I make homemade ranch dressing?
Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and salt. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this pasta salad tastes even better after sitting for a few hours in the refrigerator.
What type of pickles should I use?
Use dill pickles for the best flavor. Kosher dill or garlic dill pickles work great.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Chopped cucumbers, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes make great additions.
What can I use instead of bacon?
Turkey bacon or plant-based bacon are great substitutes.
Can I make it lighter?
Use a low-fat ranch dressing and skip the mayonnaise for a lighter version.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking and toss it with a small amount of olive oil.
Can I use pickle relish instead of chopped pickles?
Yes, but reduce the amount of pickle juice in the dressing to avoid making the salad too tangy.
What pairs well with this pasta?
Serve it alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or BBQ ribs for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Dill pickle bacon ranch pasta is a bold and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of creamy ranch, tangy pickles, and smoky bacon makes it a standout side dish or a satisfying meal on its own. Try this recipe for your next gathering, and watch it become an instant favorite!
Print
Dill Pickle Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy and tangy pasta salad featuring dill pickles, crispy bacon, and a homemade ranch dressing, bringing a burst of flavor to any meal.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces rotini or elbow macaroni
- 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 packet dry ranch dressing mix
- 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups diced dill pickles
- 1 1/2 cups cubed sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced green onions
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water until cool.
- Prepare Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, dry ranch dressing mix, dill pickle juice, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, diced dill pickles, cubed cheddar cheese, and diced green onions to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Give the salad a gentle stir before serving. Enjoy chilled.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: This salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance. If making ahead, consider adding the bacon just before serving to maintain its crispness.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Variations: For added color and nutrition, mix in chopped bell peppers or shredded carrots.