Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is here to steal the show at your next picnic, BBQ, or potluck! If you love that tangy dill pickle punch, this creamy pasta salad is about to become your go-to side dish. It’s loaded with crisp chopped pickles, cheddar cheese, and a smooth, zesty dill dressing that coats every noodle perfectly.
Not only is this pasta salad incredibly easy to make, but it also brings a refreshing twist to traditional creamy salads. The magic happens when you soak the cooled pasta in pickle juice—yes, really!—infusing each bite with bold flavor that pickle fans will adore.
Believe it or not, pickle-based salads have been trending for decades, especially in the Midwest, where anything “pickle-forward” is considered gold. Today, this nostalgic ingredient is making a modern comeback in the form of crave-worthy side dishes.
So grab your favorite dill pickles, a handful of fresh herbs, and let’s whip up the boldest, tangiest pasta salad you’ve ever had.
Recipe Yield: 4–6 servings
INGREDIENTS
8 oz rotini pasta (or elbow)
1 cup chopped dill pickles
½ cup pickle juice (from the jar)
½ cup shredded or cubed sharp cheddar cheese
⅓ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp black pepper
Pinch of salt, to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and immediately rinse with cold water to cool.
2. Infuse with Pickle Flavor:
Transfer cooled pasta to a mixing bowl. Pour pickle juice over the pasta, toss well, and let sit for 5–10 minutes to absorb flavor. Then drain off excess juice.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, black pepper, and chopped fresh dill until smooth.
4. Combine All Ingredients:
Add the chopped dill pickles and shredded cheddar cheese to the pasta. Pour in the dressing and mix thoroughly until every bite is coated.
5. Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Serve cold with extra dill on top if desired.
Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe
- Use Cold Pasta: Always rinse your cooked pasta under cold water. This stops the cooking process and keeps your salad from getting mushy.
- Choose the Right Pickles: For bold, zesty flavor, use real deli-style or refrigerated dill pickles rather than shelf-stable ones.
- Chill Before Serving: Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This makes the flavors pop and improves the texture.
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