Get ready to transform your ordinary pasta salad into a mind-blowing culinary experience that'll have everyone begging for seconds! This Dill Pickle Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad isn't just another side dish – it's a tangy, creamy, and absolutely irresistible flavor bomb that combines the zesty crunch of pickles, the smoky richness of bacon, and the creamy coolness of ranch dressing. Perfect for summer cookouts, potlucks, or when you're craving a dish that's anything but boring, this recipe will become your new go-to crowd-pleaser that takes just 25 minutes to prepare!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup dill pickles, diced
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 8 oz of pasta, 1 cup of diced dill pickles, 1/2 cup of crumbled cooked bacon, 1/2 cup of ranch dressing, 1/4 cup of diced red onion, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh dill, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the 8 oz of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Dice the dill pickles, crumble the cooked bacon if not already done, and finely chop the red onion and fresh dill.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will also help cool the pasta for the salad.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced dill pickles, crumbled bacon, diced red onion, and chopped fresh dill.
- Pour the 1/2 cup of ranch dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined and evenly coated with the dressing.
- Season the pasta salad with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed based on your preference.
- Once everything is mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- After chilling, give the pasta salad a good stir. Taste and adjust any seasonings if necessary before serving.
- Serve the Dill Pickle Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad cold or at room temperature, garnished with additional fresh dill if desired. Enjoy!
Tips
- • For the best flavor, use cold or room temperature pasta to prevent the dressing from becoming runny. • Choose a short pasta shape like rotini or elbow macaroni that holds the dressing well. • Crisp your bacon until it's extra crunchy to add maximum texture. • Use high-quality ranch dressing or make your own from scratch for a more authentic flavor. • Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together. • For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for part of the ranch dressing. • Add a sprinkle of fresh dill right before serving to boost the herb's bright flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg
