Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe

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

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. 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

  1. 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

  1. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced pickles, red onion, cheddar cheese, and fresh dill.
  2. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until evenly coated.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

  1. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
  2. 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.

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Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe

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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.

  • Author: Beth
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Mix and Chill
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340g) rotini or elbow pasta
  • 1 cup dill pickles, diced (plus 2 tbsp pickle juice)
  • ½ cup diced red onion
  • ½ cup diced celery
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

For the Dressing:

  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.


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