Description
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is a creamy, tangy, and crunchy side dish loaded with tender pasta, crisp dill pickles, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh herbs. This easy make-ahead salad combines a flavorful dressing with hearty rotini pasta for a perfect addition to picnics, BBQs, potlucks, and summer gatherings, delivering a refreshing twist on classic pasta salad.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 12 oz rotini or bow-tie pasta
- 1½ cups dill pickles, finely chopped
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, cubed
- ½ cup red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup celery, finely diced
- ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
For the Dressing:
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup dill pickle juice
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried dill
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini or bow-tie pasta according to package directions until al dente, typically around 8–10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water until completely cooled to stop the cooking process and avoid clumping.
- Prepare the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, dill pickle juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, dried dill, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine the salad ingredients: To the bowl with the dressing, add the cooled pasta, finely chopped dill pickles, cubed cheddar cheese, diced red onion, diced celery, chopped fresh dill, and sliced green onions. Gently toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
- Serve and adjust: Before serving, stir the salad well. If the dressing has thickened too much, add a splash of dill pickle juice to loosen it up for a creamy, tangy finish. Serve cold and enjoy.
Notes
- For extra pickle flavor, use refrigerated dill pickles instead of shelf-stable ones.
- Cheddar can be substituted with Colby Jack or mozzarella cheese for different flavor profiles.
- This salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance to save time and enhance flavor.
- Add cooked and crumbled bacon for a smoky and savory variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish, Pasta Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
