Description
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is a creamy, tangy, and crunchy side dish featuring tender rotini pasta blended with crisp dill pickles, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh herbs. This easy-to-make, make-ahead salad is perfect for picnics, BBQs, potlucks, and summer gatherings where bright and savory flavors shine.
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: Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the cooked pasta and rinse under cold water to cool it down and stop any further cooking.
- Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, dill pickle juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, dried dill, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the cooled pasta, finely chopped dill pickles, cubed cheddar cheese, finely diced red onion and celery, chopped fresh dill, and sliced green onions to the bowl with the dressing.
- Toss Salad: Gently toss all the ingredients together until the pasta and mix-ins are thoroughly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill properly.
- Serve: Before serving, stir the salad well. If the dressing seems too thick, add a splash of pickle juice to loosen it and enhance the tangy flavor.
Notes
- For extra pickle flavor, use refrigerated dill pickles as they have a crisper texture and more zing.
- You can substitute Colby Jack or mozzarella cheese as an alternative to cheddar if desired.
- This salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored chilled for convenience.
- Optional: Add cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky, savory twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish, Pasta Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
