What is a pasta salad that changed my summer game? What is a Dill Pickle Pasta Salad? I’m pretty sure you’ve heard this one. But trust me on this Imagine your favorite creamy pasta salad, but with a delightful tangy kick from dill pickles. Is it like a potato salad and pasta salad had inherited all the best qualities? What is your average macaroni salad? My family and I make it for every potluck and BBQ we attend. It’s that good.
What is Dill Pickle Pasta Salad?
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is, at its heart, a creamy pasta salad amped up with the amazing briny tomatoes. What is the flavor of dill pickles? Think of it as a playful twist on classic summer sides. What is essentially a combination of cooked pasta (I like rotini because those little spirals grab all the pasta). What is the best sauce for a pasta dish? What are some good dill pickles? What is a name? Is this surprisingly refreshing, especially on a hot day? What are some easy recipes that you can throw together with your own ingredients?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Let me count the ways I adore this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad! First and foremost, the flavor is incredible. The creamy dressing perfectly complements the salty, tangy pickles, creating a taste explosion in your mouth. It’s seriously addictive.
What I love most about this is just how easy it is to whip up. Seriously, you can have this ready in under 30 minutes, which is a lifesaver on busy weeknights or when you need a last-minute dish for a party. It’s also incredibly budget-friendly. The ingredients are all pretty common and inexpensive, so you won’t break the bank making a big batch. Finally, this recipe is SO versatile. You can add different veggies, cheeses, or even proteins to make it your own. I’ve even thrown in some chopped ham or shredded chicken before, and it’s always a hit. If you’re a fan of pickle juice, you have to try this salad! It’s way better than typical pasta salads, in my opinion.
How do I make a Dill Pickle Pasta Salad?
Quick Overview
How do I make a Dill Pickle Pasta Salad? How do you cook pasta, chop up veggies and pickles, whisk together the creamy dressing, and serve. Is there a way to toss everything together? What is the secret ingredient of dill pickle juice? How do you thin out dressing? I promise, even if you’re a beginner cook, you can nail this recipe. What is the perfect summer dish to bring to your next gathering?
Ingredients
What is Pasta Salad?
* 1 pound rotini pasta (or your favorite short pasta shape) *
* 1 cup mayonnaise (I prefer full-fat for the best flavor, but light works too)
* 12 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor) or 1 cup plain yoghurt (for an extra sweet flavor).
* ¼ cup dill pickle juice (don’t skip this!)
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (or 2 teaspoons dried)*
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (adds a nice little kick)
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* ½ teaspoon black pepper
* 1 cup chopped dill pickles (the more, the merrier)!
* ½ cup chopped red onion (for a little bite)
* ½ cup chopped celery (for crunch)
* 12 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, but delicious)
* Salt to taste
What are the steps to
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
How do you cook pasta according to package directions? Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. How can you remove starch from pasta? Set aside pasta to cool completely. I usually spread it out on a baking sheet to speed up the cooling process.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, dill pickle juice, and salt. Set aside. What are some good substitutes for Dijon mustard, black pepper, and chopped dill? Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. I usually add a pinch of salt, but be careful not to over-salt it, as the pickles are already quite thick.
Step 3: Chop the Veggies and Pickles
While the pasta is cooling, chop the dill pickles, red onion, and celery. I like to chop everything into small bite-sized pieces so that it’s easy to eat. If you’re using cheddar cheese, shred it now as well. If you like, you can add other vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots or even cucumbers.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Once the pasta is completely cool, add it to the bowl with the dressing. Add the chopped dill pickles, red onion, celery, and cheddar cheese (if using). Gently toss everything together until it’s well combined. Make sure all of the pasta is coated in the creamy dressing.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. How do I make pasta salad? Is it safe to make this a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to eat it? I think it tastes even better the next day!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Before serving, give the Dill Pickle Pasta Salad a good stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you want a tangy pickle juice, you can also add some extra dill pickles. Serve cold and enjoy! This pasta salad is perfect for potlucks, BBQs or just a quick lunch or dinner.
What should I serve it with?
What is a good Dill Pickle Pasta Salad?For a BBQ:Serve it with grilled burgers, hot dogs, or chicken. What is the perfect complement to smoky, savory flavors?For a Picnic:What’s a good picnic lunch?As a Side Dish:Serve it with grilled fish, pulled pork sandwiches, or even just a simple salad for an easy meal.For Lunch:What is a good side dish for lunch? I often pack some in a container and bring it to work with me. Is this a good meal? My family loves this with a side of grilled corn on the cob or some watermelon. What are some good ways to make Dill Pickle Pasta Salad?
How do I make a Dill Pickle Pasta Salad?
I’ve made this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad *a lot*, and I have learned a few things along the way. How do I make it perfect?Don’t overcook the pasta!What is the best way to avoid overcooked pasta? Cook pasta until al dente, which means it’s firm to the bite.How do you rinse pasta with cold water?As I mentioned before, rinsing the pasta with cold water stops the cooking process and removes some of the fat from the meat. How do you prevent pasta from sticking together?Don’t skip the dill pickle juice. It’s bad forWhat makes this pasta salad so special? What is the best way to make dill pickle juice as a dressing? If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even add a little bit of hot sauce to the dressing.Use Good Quality Pickles: The quality of your pickles will definitely affect the taste of the pasta salad. I recommend using good quality dill pickles that you really enjoy eating on their own.
Let It Chill: This is another important step! Letting the pasta salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together and the pasta salad to chill properly. It’s worth the wait, I promise!
Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the pasta salad before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a little extra salt, pepper, or dill pickle juice to taste.
Get Creative with Add-ins: Don’t be afraid to get creative with the add-ins! As I mentioned before, you can add different veggies, cheeses, or even proteins to make this pasta salad your own. Some of my favorite additions include bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers, ham, and shredded chicken.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is best stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. I don’t recommend freezing it, as the mayonnaise-based dressing can separate and become watery when thawed.
Room Temperature: I really don’t recommend leaving it at room temperature for more than an hour or two. Mayo-based salads are prone to spoilage.
Refrigerator Storage: In the fridge, it will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Make sure it’s in a tightly sealed container.
Freezer Instructions: Freezing isn’t ideal, as the texture changes significantly. The mayo tends to separate, leaving a watery consistency.
I usually make it a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until I’m ready to serve it. I actually think it tastes even better the next day!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my absolute favorite Dill Pickle Pasta Salad! It’s creamy, tangy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. If you’re looking for a unique and delicious pasta salad to bring to your next potluck or BBQ, look no further. Trust me, this one will be a hit! If you love this kind of zesty flavor, you should also check out my recipe for homemade coleslaw – it has a similar tangy kick that you’ll adore. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know if you tried it and what you thought. Happy cooking!
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Pasta (rotini, farfalle, or your favorite shape)
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- 0.5 cup Dill pickle relish
- 1 cup Chopped dill pickles
- 0.25 cup Chopped red onion
- 1 tbsp White wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp Fresh dill, chopped
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, dill pickle relish, chopped dill pickles, red onion, white wine vinegar, dill, salt, and pepper.
- Add cooked pasta to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
