Save A tangy, creamy pasta salad bursting with dill pickles, cheddar, and fresh herbs—perfect for picnics and potlucks.
This pasta salad quickly became a favorite at my family gatherings for its bright flavors and easy prep.
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 dente 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
Save This salad brings back fond memories of summer picnics shared with family and friends.
Notes
For extra pickle flavor add more pickle juice or chopped pickles Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter option Add cooked bacon or sliced hard-boiled eggs for extra protein Best served chilled can be made up to a day in advance
Required Tools
Large pot Colander Large mixing bowl Whisk Cutting board & knife
Nutritional Information
Calories 350 Total Fat 21 g Carbohydrates 31 g Protein 9 g
Save This dill pickle pasta salad is a refreshing side thats sure to please any crowd.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Rotini pasta is ideal as its spiral shape holds the creamy dressing well, but other short pasta like fusilli or penne also work.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, chilling the pasta salad for at least an hour enhances flavor melding, and it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a day.
- → How can I add more tanginess?
Increasing the amount of pickle juice or adding extra chopped dill pickles boosts the tangy flavor.
- → Are there good substitutions for sour cream?
Greek yogurt can be used as a lighter alternative to sour cream while maintaining creaminess.
- → What allergens should I be aware of?
This dish contains dairy from cheddar and sour cream, and may contain eggs depending on the pasta used. Gluten is present unless gluten-free pasta is chosen.