Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is a tangy, creamy, and refreshingly unique dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or summer barbecues. With crunchy dill pickles, tender pasta, and a zesty dressing, this salad is a delightful twist on classic pasta salads that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 3 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or shells work well)
- 1 cup dill pickles, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, cubed
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup pickle juice
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons pickle juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Toss the pasta with 1/4 cup pickle juice and set aside for 5–10 minutes to soak up the flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Dressing
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried dill. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced pickles, red onion, cheddar cheese, and fresh dill.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until evenly coated.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, give it a quick stir and garnish with additional fresh dill if desired.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve chilled as a side dish or as a light main course. It pairs well with grilled meats or sandwiches.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
- Make-Ahead Tip: This salad can be made a day in advance. Add a little extra dressing if it seems dry after sitting overnight.
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like rotini, penne, or bowties works well. Choose one that holds dressing nicely.
2. Can I substitute the mayonnaise or sour cream?
You can use Greek yogurt for a lighter option or a vegan mayo and sour cream for a dairy-free version.
3. What if I don’t have fresh dill?
Dried dill can be used instead, but reduce the amount to 1–2 teaspoons as dried herbs are more concentrated.
4. Can I add other ingredients?
Absolutely! Try adding chopped hard-boiled eggs, bacon bits, or even diced cucumbers for extra texture and flavor.
Print
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mix and Chill
- Cuisine: American
Description
A tangy and creamy pasta salad bursting with the bold flavor of dill pickles! This easy side dish is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or BBQs, and will quickly become a favorite among pickle lovers.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) rotini or elbow pasta
- 1 cup dill pickles, diced (plus 2 tbsp pickle juice)
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp dill pickle juice
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried dill (or 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it down completely. Set aside.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust pickle juice if you want a tangier flavor.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced pickles, red onion, celery, and shredded cheddar cheese (if using).
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve:
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with additional fresh dill if desired.
Notes
- For extra pickle flavor, add a few teaspoons of finely chopped fresh dill or diced dill pickle spears.
- To make it lighter, use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream or half the mayonnaise.
- Serve as a side dish or add cooked chicken or ham for a hearty main dish.