Description
A creamy, tangy, and flavor-packed pasta salad loaded with crunchy dill pickles, fresh herbs, and a zesty dill pickle dressing. Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, picnics, or as a refreshing side dish, this easy dill pickle pasta salad is bold, creamy, and seriously addictive for pickle lovers.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 8–10):
For the Pasta Salad:
16 oz rotini or elbow macaroni
1 ½ cups dill pickles, diced
½ cup red onion, finely chopped
½ cup cheddar cheese cubes (optional)
¼ cup fresh dill, chopped
2 tablespoons pickle juice (from the jar)
For the Creamy Dill Pickle Dressing:
1 cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
2–3 tablespoons pickle juice (for extra tang)
Optional Add-Ins:
½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon
1 ½ cups shredded chicken
4 oz cream cheese (for extra creaminess)
Chopped celery for added crunch
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Let cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and pickle juice until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add cooled pasta, diced pickles, red onion, cheddar (if using), and fresh dill. Pour the dressing over the top and toss until evenly coated.
Step 4: Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours to allow flavors to meld. Stir before serving and add a splash of pickle juice if needed.
Notes
• For dill pickle pasta salad without mayo, replace mayo with Greek yogurt or use a vinaigrette-style dressing.
• For dill pickle pasta salad no sour cream, simply use all mayo or substitute with more yogurt.
• Add bacon for a smoky crunch or chicken to turn it into a full meal.
• The salad tastes even better the next day!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1–2 hours
- Category: Side Dish / Salad
- Method: Boiled / Mixed / Chilled
- Cuisine: American