Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

A tangy, creamy pasta salad bursting with dill pickles, cheddar, and fresh herbs perfect for picnics and potlucks.

This dill pickle pasta salad quickly became a family favorite, loved for its bright flavors and easy preparation.

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

Step 1:

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.

Step 2:

In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced pickles, red onion, celery, cheddar cheese, and fresh dill.

Step 3:

In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until smooth.

Step 4:

Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5:

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Step 6:

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving. Garnish with extra dill if desired.

Pin it

This salad is always a hit at family gatherings and brings back fond memories of summer picnics in the backyard.

Notes

Add cooked bacon or sliced hard-boiled eggs for extra protein. Best served chilled; can be made up to a day in advance.

Required Tools

Large pot, colander, large mixing bowl, whisk, cutting board & knife

Allergen Information

Contains Milk (cheddar cheese sour cream mayonnaise), Eggs (mayonnaise possibly in pasta). May contain gluten (rotini pasta) use gluten-free pasta if needed.

Pin it

This dill pickle pasta salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish ready to impress any crowd.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Rinse the cooked rotini under cold water to cool and remove excess starch, which helps prevent sticking when mixed with the dressing.

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Sharp cheddar provides a distinct flavor, but you can substitute with similar firm cheeses like Colby or Monterey Jack for a milder taste.

→ Is it necessary to refrigerate before serving?

Yes, chilling the salad for at least an hour allows the flavors to blend and develops the desired tangy creaminess.

→ What substitutes work for sour cream?

Greek yogurt can be used as a lighter alternative offering similar creaminess and tang.

→ How can I add more protein to this dish?

Incorporate cooked bacon bits or sliced hard-boiled eggs for extra protein and texture.