Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is a tangy, creamy, and utterly refreshing side dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or BBQs. Combining tender pasta, crunchy dill pickles, and a creamy dill-infused dressing, this salad is a pickle lover’s dream.

With its bold flavors and satisfying textures, it’s a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Colander
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Knife and cutting board

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 12 oz (340g) rotini or elbow pasta
• 1 1/2 cups (225g) diced dill pickles
• 1/2 cup (75g) diced red onion
• 1/2 cup (75g) diced celery
• 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh dill

For the Dressing:

• 1 cup (240ml) mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup (60ml) sour cream
• 1/4 cup (60ml) pickle juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
3. Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced pickles, red onion, celery, and fresh dill.
4. Add the Dressing: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
5. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Serve: Stir before serving and garnish with additional fresh dill, if desired.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

10 minutes

Total Time

25 minutes (plus chilling time)

Nutrition (Per Serving, Serves 6)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 2g

Expert Tips

• Use Fresh Dill: Fresh dill enhances the flavor of the salad, but dried dill can work in a pinch.
• Chill for Better Flavor: Letting the salad sit in the fridge helps the flavors meld and intensify.
• Customize the Veggies: Add shredded carrots, chopped bell peppers, or sliced olives for extra crunch and color.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, short pasta shapes like penne, bowtie, or shells work well for this recipe.

How long can this salad be stored?
Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Replace the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative or use additional mayonnaise.

Storing & Reheating

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: This salad is best served cold and does not require reheating.

Substitutions & Variations

• Pickles: Swap dill pickles with bread-and-butter pickles for a sweeter flavor.
• Dressing: Add a splash of pickle brine for an extra tangy kick.
• Add-Ins: Incorporate shredded cheese, cooked bacon, or hard-boiled eggs for added richness.

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is a tangy, creamy, and utterly refreshing side dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or BBQs.

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Equipment

• - Large pot for boiling pasta
• - Colander
• - Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Knife and cutting board

Ingredients

  

• ### Ingredients
• #### For the Salad:
• - 12 oz 340g rotini or elbow pasta
• - 1 1/2 cups 225g diced dill pickles
• - 1/2 cup 75g diced red onion
• - 1/2 cup 75g diced celery
• - 1/4 cup 15g chopped fresh dill
• #### For the Dressing:
• - 1 cup 240ml mayonnaise
• - 1/4 cup 60ml sour cream
• - 1/4 cup 60ml pickle juice
• - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• - Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• **Cook the Pasta:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
• **Prepare the Dressing:** In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
• **Assemble the Salad:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced pickles, red onion, celery, and fresh dill.
• **Add the Dressing:** Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
• **Chill:** Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
• **Serve:** Stir before serving and garnish with additional fresh dill, if desired.