If you’re ready for a side dish that’s bold, zippy, and totally addictive, you’re going to fall in love with this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe. This vibrant blend of crunchy pickles, tender pasta, creamy dressing, and pops of cheddar is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any BBQ or potluck. It’s both nostalgic and new: familiar flavors dressed up for all your summer get-togethers—and so simple that you’ll want to whip it up whenever a craving for something tangy and refreshing strikes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe plays an essential role in creating that signature, craveable flavor. Simple, everyday pantry staples team up with a few key fresh ingredients for a dish that’s easy to throw together and bursting with flavor, crunch, and creamy tang.
- Short Pasta (12 oz): Choose rotini or shells for best texture—they hold the dressing and pickle bits perfectly in every bite!
- Chopped Dill Pickles (1 cup): The star of the show—in every forkful, you’ll get a crisp, salty, tangy kick.
- Pickle Juice (1/2 cup, divided): Adds bold dill flavor, both infusing the pasta and brightening up the creamy dressing.
- Finely Chopped Red Onion (1/2 cup): Just enough bite to balance the creaminess and bring some sweetness.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1/2 cup): Melty, savory, and a little sharp, cheddar rounds out the flavors and adds creaminess.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Provides the backbone to the creamy dressing and helps tie all the ingredients together.
- Sour Cream (1/4 cup): For extra tang and silky texture, sour cream keeps the dressing from feeling heavy.
- Fresh or Dried Dill (1 Tbsp fresh or 1 tsp dried): Dill doubles down on the pickle flavor and adds garden freshness.
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Provides a warm, savory undertone that makes the whole salad pop.
- Black Pepper (1/2 tsp): A background note of mild heat to balance the flavors.
- Salt (to taste): Dial it up or down depending on how salty your pickles are—just enough to make everything sing!
How to Make Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta
Start by cooking your short pasta of choice in a big pot of well-salted water until it’s perfectly al dente. This way, the pasta keeps some bite even after being dressed. Drain it, and then rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and cool everything down quickly—this ensures your pasta salad stays light and fresh, not stodgy.
Step 2: Infuse the Pasta with Pickle Juice
Pour 1/4 cup of that delightful pickle juice right over your drained, cooled pasta, and toss it well. Let the pasta sit in that briny bath for 5 to 10 minutes. It’ll soak in flavor from the inside out, taking your Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe to new heights. If there’s any juice left sitting at the bottom afterward, just drain off the excess.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Dill Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, the remaining 1/4 cup of pickle juice, chopped fresh or dried dill, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. This dressing should be tangy, herby, and ultra-creamy—if you love extra zing, feel free to add a splash of vinegar or even more dill.
Step 4: Add the Good Stuff
To the bowl, add the infused pasta, chopped pickles, red onion, and cheddar cheese. Now comes the best part: tossing everything together! Stir gently but thoroughly, making sure every piece of pasta is coated and studded with plenty of pickles, onions, and cheese. Every bite should have a bit of everything.
Step 5: Chill and Let Flavors Mingle
Cover your salad and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This time is essential—the flavors settle in, blend together, and intensify. The result is a Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe that tastes even better than when you first mixed it!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Right before serving, give the salad a quick stir and taste for seasoning. Garnish with a sprinkle of extra fresh dill or a few chopped pickles on top for extra pizzazz and flavor. Now it’s ready to steal the spotlight at your table!
How to Serve Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To make every bowl as visually tempting as it tastes, finish with a flurry of chopped fresh dill or extra pickle coins. A few slivers of red onion or a generous sprinkling of cheddar cheese work beautifully, too—the more color and crunch, the better!
Side Dishes
This Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe handles spice and heartiness with ease, so it pairs well with everything from hot dogs and grilled burgers to crispy fried chicken or veggie skewers. Cold lemonade, corn on the cob, or classic potato chips round out a spread that’s summer perfection.
Creative Ways to Present
Try scooping the salad into lettuce cups for adorable finger food, or serve in mason jars for easy-to-pack picnics. For bigger gatherings, pile it into a big, bright bowl and scatter extra chopped pickles and dill across the top—it’s festive, fun, and irresistible.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays delicious and crisp for up to three days, and the flavors only deepen with time. If the salad dries out a bit, stir in a spoonful of mayo or a drizzle of pickle juice to revive its creaminess.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for this recipe—the creamy dressing can separate and the pasta may get mushy after thawing. For the best flavor and texture, enjoy this salad fresh or refrigerated instead of freezing.
Reheating
No heating needed! This is a cold salad through and through. Simply give it a good toss before serving, and refresh with a sprinkle of fresh dill or an extra spoonful of dressing if needed.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Side Dish
Absolutely! While rotini and shells are classic, any short, ridged pasta (think penne or fusilli) will do a good job holding onto the dressing and pickle bits. Just avoid very thin or long noodles, which don’t work as well in pasta salads.
Is there a way to make it vegan?
Yes—swap the mayonnaise and sour cream for your favorite plant-based versions, and use a dairy-free shredded cheese. All the tang and flavor, now vegan-friendly!
What kind of dill pickles should I choose?
Go for classic, crunchy dill pickles from the refrigerated section for best flavor and texture. Extra-garlicky or spicy pickles add a unique twist if you’re feeling adventurous.
Can I make Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe ahead of time?
Definitely. This salad is perfect for making a day in advance. In fact, the extra chill time lets all those zippy pickle and dill flavors meld beautifully!
How can I give this salad more protein?
Easy—toss in diced ham, crispy bacon, or even some shredded rotisserie chicken. Chickpeas are also a great option for a vegetarian protein boost.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe that once you try this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe, it’ll earn a regular spot at your gatherings—and maybe even at your dinner table on the weeknights! Share it with friends, family, or anyone who loves a good pickle, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for your secret. Go ahead, dive in, and enjoy every tangy, creamy forkful!
Print
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is a tangy and flavorful dish perfect for summer gatherings. With a creamy dressing and crunchy pickles, it’s a crowd-pleaser that can be made ahead of time.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz short pasta (such as rotini or shells)
Dressing:
- 1 cup chopped dill pickles
- 1/2 cup pickle juice (divided)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 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 Pasta: Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Season Pasta: Toss pasta with 1/4 cup pickle juice and let sit to absorb flavor.
- Prepare Dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, remaining pickle juice, dill, garlic powder, pepper, and salt.
- Combine: Mix pasta with pickles, red onion, and cheddar cheese. Chill before serving.
Notes
- For extra tang, add chopped pickle spears or white vinegar.
- This salad is ideal for BBQs and can be made a day in advance.
- Optional: Add diced ham or bacon for a heartier dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook (plus stovetop for pasta)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
