Description
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is a creamy, tangy, and crunchy side dish featuring tender rotini pasta, crisp dill pickles, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh herbs. This easy make-ahead salad is perfect for picnics, BBQs, potlucks, and summer gatherings, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures that complement any meal.
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 large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini or bow-tie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water until fully cooled to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
- Make the dressing: In a large mixing 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 to the dressing. Stir in finely chopped dill pickles, cubed cheddar cheese, diced red onion, diced celery, chopped fresh dill, and sliced green onions until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
- Serve: Before serving, give the salad a good stir. If the dressing has thickened too much, add a splash of dill pickle juice to loosen it up, then toss gently and serve cold.
Notes
- Use refrigerated dill pickles for extra tangy pickle flavor.
- Cheddar cheese can be substituted with Colby Jack or mozzarella for a different cheese profile.
- This salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance, making it ideal for meal prep or entertaining.
- Add cooked bacon bits for a smoky and savory variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish, Pasta Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
