Description
This Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is a tangy, creamy side dish perfect for summer BBQs and potlucks. Featuring al dente pasta tossed with chopped dill pickles, creamy mayo and sour cream dressing, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh dill, it’s a refreshing recipe that bursts with pickle flavor and vibrant textures. Easy to make and ideal for making ahead, this salad is a flavorful twist on traditional pasta salads.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Pickles
- 12 oz short pasta (such as rotini or shells)
- 1 cup chopped dill pickles
- 1/2 cup pickle juice (divided)
Vegetables and Cheese
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped) or 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
- Marinate the Pasta: Toss the cooled pasta with 1/4 cup of pickle juice and let it sit for 5–10 minutes to absorb the tangy flavor. Drain off any excess juice if necessary.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, remaining 1/4 cup pickle juice, chopped fresh dill or dried dill, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the marinated pasta, chopped dill pickles, finely chopped red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese to the dressing. Mix thoroughly until every ingredient is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Before serving, garnish with extra dill or additional chopped pickles if desired for added freshness and presentation.
Notes
- For extra tang, stir in chopped pickle spears or a splash of white vinegar.
- This salad is perfect for BBQs and potlucks and can be prepared a day in advance to deepen the flavors.
- Add diced ham or crispy bacon pieces for a heartier, protein-packed variation.
