The Best Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe

This creamy 30-minute dill pickle pasta salad is packed with crunchy pickles, al dente pasta, sharp cheddar, and a tangy, herby dressing. It’s the perfect quick and easy side dish for picnics, potlucks, or summer BBQs!

 

Easy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe

• Ready in just 30 minutes with simple prep and no cooking beyond boiling pasta
• Creamy, tangy, and loaded with fresh dill and sharp cheddar for tons of flavor

Ingredients for Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

• Rotini Pasta: Twists hold onto the creamy dressing perfectly—sub with penne, shells, or farfalle if needed.
• Dill Pickles: The star of the show! Adds a bold, briny crunch—use any crunchy dill pickles you love.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds a savory bite and creamy richness—swap with Colby Jack or Monterey Jack.
• Red Onion: Gives a mild zing and crunch—can use shallots or omit for a milder flavor.
• Fresh Dill: Adds bright, herby freshness that makes the flavors pop—use a tablespoon of dried dill instead.
• Mayonnaise: Makes the dressing creamy and adds flavor—use avocado mayo or Greek yogurt if preferred.
• Half and Half: Thins the dressing to the perfect pourable texture—use whole milk, heavy cream, or a mix of both as a substitute.
• Sour Cream: Adds tang and extra creaminess—plain Greek yogurt works too.
• Pickle Juice: Intensifies the dill pickle flavor and adds acidity—don’t skip it!
• Dijon Mustard: Adds depth and a subtle tangy sharpness—yellow mustard will work in a pinch.
• Spices: Garlic powder and onion powder are an easy way to add tons of flavor with minimal effort.

How to Make Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Cook Pasta: Boil the rotini to al dente, then drain and cool.

Combine: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, diced pickles, cheddar cubes, red onion, and fresh dill.

Make Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, half and half, sour cream, pickle juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and a couple generous pinches of salt and pepper until smooth.

Toss: Pour about half of the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.

Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour. Just before serving, toss with the remaining dressing and serve.

Tips for Making Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

• Use a short cut of pasta with ridges, nooks, and crannies that will hold the dressing easily.
• Cool the pasta after cooking to avoid melting the cheese or thinning the dressing too much.
• Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving. This gives the dressing time to meld and marry with the other ingredients. Adding more dressing just before serving also pumps up the overall flavors of the pasta salad.

Make-Ahead Instructions

• You can make this pasta salad up to 24 hours in advance.
• Just store it in the fridge and wait to stir in the remaining dressing until just before serving to keep it fresh and creamy.

Storing Leftovers

• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• The pasta may absorb some dressing over time, so stir in a splash of milk or extra pickle juice to loosen it up before serving again.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• smoked pork shoulder
• air fryer hot dogs
• air fryer hamburgers
• shredded BBQ pork
• Big Mac cheeseburger sliders

Try these easy pasta salad recipes next!

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