Save A tangy, creamy pasta salad bursting with dill pickles, cheddar, and fresh herbs is ideal for picnics and potlucks. You get a satisfying mix of textures and fresh flavor in every bite.
I first made this dill pickle pasta salad for our annual summer barbecue, and my friends kept asking for the recipe. The combination of cheesy pasta and crunchy pickles truly surprised everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) budget rotini pasta, salt for boiling water
- Vegetables & Pickles: 1 1/2 cups (225 g) dill pickles diced, 1/2 cup (60 g) red onion finely diced, 2/3 cup (90 g) celery diced, 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh dill chopped
- Cheese: 1 cup (115 g) sharp cheddar cheese cubed or shredded
- Dressing: 3/4 cup (180 ml) mayonnaise, 1/4 cup (60 ml) sour cream, 2 tbsp (30 ml) dill pickle juice, 1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp salt or to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
- Mix Salad Base:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta diced pickles red onion celery cheddar cheese and fresh dill.
- Prepare Dressing:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise sour cream pickle juice Dijon mustard garlic powder black pepper and salt until smooth.
- Combine:
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill:
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving. Garnish with extra dill if desired.
Save This salad quickly became a family favorite. My kids especially love sneaking the extra pickles before we mix everything together for the salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve as a side dish for grilled meats or sandwiches. It pairs well with burgers on summer days.
Variations
For a lighter salad substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. You can also add bacon pieces or hard-boiled eggs to vary the protein.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Stir before serving to redistribute dressing.
Save Make this dill pickle pasta salad once and you'll keep coming back for the irresistible flavor. It is wonderful both for potlucks and simple family dinners.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or shells will work well and hold the dressing nicely.
- → How can I make the salad creamier?
Increasing mayonnaise or sour cream in the dressing will enhance creaminess while keeping the tang balanced.
- → Is there a way to intensify the pickle flavor?
Add extra diced pickles or drizzle additional pickle juice into the dressing before tossing.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate for at least an hour or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
- → What toppings can complement this salad?
Chopped fresh dill, crispy bacon bits, or sliced hard-boiled eggs add texture and flavor contrast.