Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad with Bacon & Cheddar

Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

This creamy dill pickle pasta salad is tangy, cheesy, and loaded with crispy bacon and sharp cheddar. Not only is it incredibly flavorful, it is super easy to toss together and even better after a chill in the fridge! The ultimate side dish for pickle lovers and great for warm weather gatherings or picnics.

Why You'll Love this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad:

Big pickle flavor: That tangy dill pickle punch is front and center in the salad and the dressing.
Creamy & Cheesy: Mayo, sour cream, cheddar, and crispy bacon come together in every bite to compliment the pickle tang.
Easy to prep ahead: This pasta salad actually tastes better after some chill time, so it’s great for make-ahead meals or parties.
A total crowd-pleaser: It’s got bold flavors but familiar ingredients. Everyone always comes back for seconds.

Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Ingredients:

Rotini Pasta: The twisty shape holds onto all that creamy, flavorful dressing. Cook it to al dente for the best texture.
Cheddar Cheese: A mix of sharp and white cheddar adds creamy, tangy richness. Grate it fresh or use a pre-mixed blend.
Dill Pickles: The star of the show! Adds that signature tang and crunch. Add extra if you're a pickle lover, or even pickle chips!
Red Onion: Finely diced for just the right amount of bite and color.
Bacon or Bacon Bits: A salty, smoky contrast to the creamy, tangy flavors. You can use real crumbled bacon or shortcut it with real bacon bits.
For the Creamy Dill Pickle Dressing:
- Mayonnaise: Creamy and rich, perfect for the base of the dressing.
- Sour Cream: Lightens the mayo with a little tangy creaminess.
- Pickle Juice: Don’t skip it! This adds tons of bold dill flavor.
- Chopped Fresh Dill: Extra herby goodness to amp up the pickle vibes.
- Minced Garlic: Adds a little zip and depth to the dressing.
- Salt & Pepper: Season to taste to make it yours and bring it all together.

Dietary Substitutions & Allergy-Friendly Swaps:

Gluten-Free: Swap the rotini for your favorite gluten-free pasta. I really like Jovial's 100% Organic Gluten Free Brown Rice Fusilli! Chickpea or rice-based pastas work great and still soak up the dressing beautifully.
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheddar shreds, a vegan mayo, and plant-based sour cream. The salad still turns out rich, creamy, and flavorful without the dairy.
Vegetarian: Simply leave out the bacon or sub in a smoky vegetarian bacon alternative or even crispy chickpeas or sunflower seeds for a little crunch.
Egg-Free: Choose an egg-free mayo brand (there are several out there!) and double-check your pasta and sour cream labels to be safe.

How to Make Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad:

Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your rotini pasta to al dente (check the package for timing). Drain and set aside to let cool.
Optional Step – Soak in Pickle Juice: If you love extra pickle flavor, soak the cooked pasta in ¼ cup of pickle juice for about 5 minutes. This adds an extra burst of tangy goodness.
Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, mix together mayo, sour cream, pickle juice, chopped dill, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine: In a large bowl, toss together the cooked pasta, grated cheddar cheese, dill pickles, red onion, and crumbled bacon. Pour half the dressing over and mix until everything is evenly coated. Add more dressing to taste.
Garnish & Chill: Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh dill. Chill the pasta salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let all the flavors meld together.
Serve: Serve chilled, and enjoy the creamy, tangy, and savory goodness!

Tips for Making Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad:

Use Al Dente Pasta: Slightly firm pasta holds up better in creamy salads and won’t get mushy after chilling.
Make it Extra Pickly: Want a bigger punch of pickle flavor? Soaking the pasta in pickle juice before mixing adds an extra layer of dill-y tang for those pickle lovers out there.

Make Ahead & Storage:

Make Ahead: This pasta salad is great for prepping in advance! You can make it up to 24 hours ahead of time (if using real bacon, leave it out until serving to keep it crisp). Just give it a good stir and garnish before serving.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Refreshing Tip: If the salad thickens up too much in the fridge, stir in a splash of pickle juice or a spoonful of mayo to loosen it up before serving.

Pickle Pasta Salad FAQ's:

What type of pasta works best for this salad?

Rotini is perfect for holding onto all that creamy pickle dressing, but you can also use bow tie, shells, or elbow macaroni.

Can I make this pasta salad gluten-free?

Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check your bacon and pickles are gluten-free, especially if making for those with Celiac.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply leave out the bacon or swap it for a plant-based version (such as Fresh Gourmet Bacon-less Bits).

How long does this pasta salad last?

It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving and add a splash of pickle juice to loosen it up if needed.

Can I add extra ingredients?

Totally! Chopped hard-boiled eggs, cubed ham, or extra cheese would all be tasty additions.

8 More Pasta Salad Recipes You Will Love:

Tried This Dill Pickle Pasta Salad recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! ⭐ Please leave a star rating and review in the recipe card below—your feedback helps others discover this creamy, flavorful dish. Enjoy, and happy cooking! Follow me on Instagram and Pinterest for more delicious recipes, travel inspiration, and behind-the-scenes content.

Recipe