Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is a tasty cold side dish recipe made with rotini noodles and loaded with cheddar cheese, dill pickles and fresh dill all tossed in a mayo, sour cream and pickle juice dressing.
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is the perfect dish for picnics, potlucks, and summer barbecues, but can be enjoyed any time of year as a side dish or light meal.
This rotini salad is a unique and savory combination of creamy, tangy, and slightly sour flavors, with a satisfying crunch from the pickles.
This pickle salad takes about twenty minutes to prepare and serves up to ten people.
Printable Recipe Card with a Full List of Ingredients and Instructions is Located at the Bottom of the Post.
Be sure to read through the entire post so that you don’t miss out on any important tips and tricks!
To make this pasta salad, I started by cooking some rotini noodles according to the directions on the package.
I drained the pasta and rinsed it under cold water to cool it down.
I poured some mayo, sour cream, pickle juice, onion powder and pepper into a mixing bowl.
I whisked the ingredients together well and set the bowl aside.
I transferred the cooled rotini to a large mixing bowl.
I added some cheddar cheese cubes, sliced dill pickles and chopped fresh dill to the bowl.
I poured the dressing over top.
Then I tossed all of the ingredients together until well combined.
I garnished my salad with a couple whole pickles and chopped dill.
Then the dill pickle macaroni salad was ready to serve.
This creamy pasta salad is sure to be a hit with all dill pickle lovers.
If you are looking for a simple and tangy pasta salad recipe, then you need to try this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad!
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PRINTABLE VERSION OF THE RECIPE CAN BE FOUND AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make This Dill Pickle Pasta Salad:
- 1 (16-ounce) box of rotini pasta
- 8 ounces of cheddar cheese, cubed
- 2 cups dill pickles, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, roughly chopped
Dressing
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup pickle juice
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
How to Make Dill Pickle Pasta Salad:
- Prepare the rotini pasta to al dente according to the package directions.
- Drain the pasta and run it under cold water for 1-2 minutes to cool the pasta.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the dressing.
- Pour the mayo, sour cream, pickle juice, onion powder and pepper into a mixing bowl. Whisk well and set aside.
- Once the pasta is completely cooled transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the cheese, pickles, fresh dill, and dressing to the bowl with the pasta and toss to combine.
- Enjoy!
FAQS:
How should I store dill pickle pasta salad?
- To store dill pickle pasta salad, it should be covered and refrigerated promptly. It is important to store it in an airtight container to prevent the salad from absorbing odors from other foods in the refrigerator.
- The salad can be stored for up to three to four days in the refrigerator, but it is best to consume it within the first two days to ensure maximum freshness and quality.
- Before serving leftovers, it’s a good idea to give the salad a quick stir and check the consistency of the dressing. If the salad seems dry, you can add a little bit of pickle juice or mayonnaise to freshen it up. However, be careful not to add too much liquid, as this can make the salad too watery.
- If you need to transport the dill pickle pasta salad, it’s best to keep it chilled in an insulated cooler or refrigerator bag. Always keep it out of direct sunlight and at a safe temperature to prevent foodborne illness.
What should I serve dill pickle pasta salad with?
Dill pickle pasta salad is a versatile dish that can be served as a side dish or a light meal. It pairs well with a variety of different dishes and can be customized to complement your main course.
Here are some suggestions for what to serve with dill pickle pasta salad:
- Grilled meats: Dill pickle pasta salad goes well with grilled meats like chicken, steak, or pork. The tangy flavor of the salad complements the smoky and savory flavors of the grilled meat.
- Hamburgers and hot dogs: Dill pickle pasta salad is a great side dish for classic cookout fare like hamburgers and hot dogs. The salad’s creamy and tangy dressing pairs well with the richness of the burgers and hot dogs.
- BBQ dishes: Dill pickle pasta salad can also be served alongside BBQ dishes like ribs or pulled pork. The salad’s tangy flavor helps cut through the richness of the BBQ sauce.
- Sandwiches: Dill pickle pasta salad can be served as a side dish with sandwiches like turkey, ham, or roast beef. The salad adds a crunchy and tangy element to the sandwich.
- Vegetarian dishes: Dill pickle pasta salad can also be served with vegetarian dishes like grilled vegetables or veggie burgers. The salad’s tangy flavor helps balance the sweetness of the vegetables.
Overall, dill pickle pasta salad is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of different dishes. It’s a great choice for a potluck or a casual dinner party.
What substitutions can I make?
If you are looking for substitutions for dill pickle pasta salad, there are several options that you can consider:
- Pickles: If you do not have dill pickles or prefer a different type of pickle, you can use other pickled vegetables like pickled onions, pickled peppers, or pickled cucumbers. You can also use a combination of pickled vegetables to create a unique flavor.
- Pasta: You can use different types of pasta in place of the traditional elbow macaroni or rotini. Try using fusilli, penne, or bowtie pasta for a different texture.
- Dressing: You can experiment with different dressings to give the salad a different flavor. Instead of the traditional mayonnaise-based dressing, you can use a vinaigrette dressing made with olive oil, vinegar, and seasonings. You can also use sour cream or Greek yogurt in place of the mayonnaise for a lighter dressing.
- Vegetables: You can add different vegetables to the salad to change the flavor profile. Try adding chopped tomatoes, shredded carrots, or sliced bell peppers for a different taste.
- Protein: You can add protein to the salad to make it a more substantial meal. Try adding shredded chicken, canned tuna, or cooked shrimp for a different flavor.
Overall, there are many substitutions that you can make to dill pickle pasta salad to create a unique and flavorful dish that fits your preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different combinations to find what works best for you.
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is a tasty cold side dish recipe made with rotini noodles and loaded with cheddar cheese, dill pickles and fresh dill all tossed in a mayo, sour cream and pickle juice dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) box of rotini pasta
- 8 ounces of cheddar cheese, cubed
- 2 cups dill pickles, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, roughly chopped
Dressing
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup pickle juice
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the rotini pasta to al dente according to the package directions.
- Drain the pasta and run it under cold water for 1-2 minutes to cool the pasta.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the dressing.
- Pour the mayo, sour cream, pickle juice, onion powder and pepper into a mixing bowl. Whisk well and set aside.
- Once the pasta is completely cooled transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the cheese, pickles, fresh dill, and dressing to the bowl with the pasta and toss to combine.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- The dressing will thicken as it sits and cause the salad to be less creamy. If you are making the salad any longer than 30 minutes before serving, I recommend waiting until right before serving to add the dressing.
- The dressing can be made 24 hours in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If the dressing has thickened too much, you can add a splash of pickle juice to rehydrate it.
- This salad will not freeze well due to the high dairy content in the dressing. Dairy tends to separate in the freezer.
- Use full-fat mayo and sour cream for the creamiest dressing.
- You want to use a short pasta that has a lot of grooves and divots for the dressing to stick to. Rotini, fusilli, farfalle, and elbows all work great.
- I like to use sharp cheddar in the salad as I like the contrast of the rich cheese against the crisp pickle. However, feel free to use your favorite cheddar. Colby Jack is also great in this salad.
- To save time, you can buy the pre-cubed cheese from the deli section at the grocery store.
- As the dressing contains dairy, it should be refrigerated until right before serving. Do not leave the salad out for longer than two hours.
- The fresh dill can be substituted with 1 tablespoon of dried dill.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 253Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 673mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 6g
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Hi! My name is Erin and I have been here since 2016 sharing simple family friendly recipes that can be prepared by any home cook. Get ready to whip up delicious meals in no time!