Pin this A tangy, creamy pasta salad bursting with dill pickles, cheddar, and fresh herbs perfect for picnics and potlucks.
This dill pickle pasta salad quickly became a favorite at every picnic I attended last summer.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) budget rotini pasta, Salt for boiling water
- Vegetables & Pickles: 1 1/2 cups (225 g) dill pickles diced, 1/2 cup (60 g) red onion finely diced, 2/3 cup (90 g) celery diced, 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh dill chopped
- Cheese: 1 cup (115 g) sharp cheddar cheese cubed or shredded
- Dressing: 3/4 cup (180 ml) mayonnaise, 1/4 cup (60 ml) sour cream, 2 tbsp (30 ml) dill pickle juice, 1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp salt or to taste
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini according to package instructions until al denté. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced pickles, red onion, celery, cheddar cheese, and fresh dill.
- Step 3:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until smooth.
- Step 4:
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Step 5:
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Step 6:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving. Garnish with extra dill if desired.
Pin this This recipe is a staple at our family potlucks and always disappears quickly.
Tips for Best Flavor
Use freshly chopped dill for the brightest herb flavor, and allow the salad to chill at least an hour before serving.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad chilled alongside grilled meats or as a tasty picnic meal on its own.
Pin this This dill pickle pasta salad is sure to brighten your table and impress your guests every time.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, rotini works best for holding the dressing, but other short pasta like fusilli or penne can be substituted.
- → How long should the salad chill before serving?
Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld for the best taste.
- → Can I substitute sour cream in the dressing?
Greek yogurt can be used as a lighter alternative to sour cream without compromising creaminess.
- → Is it possible to add protein to this dish?
Yes, adding cooked bacon or sliced hard-boiled eggs boosts protein and adds richness.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers covered and refrigerated; the salad stays fresh for up to one day.
- → Are there any common allergens in this dish?
Yes, it contains milk from cheddar and dairy-based dressings, and may contain gluten depending on the pasta used.