Save A tangy, creamy pasta salad bursting with dill pickles, cheddar, and fresh herbs perfect for picnics and potlucks.
This pasta salad became a favorite at our family gatherings as it combines fresh dill pickles with sharp cheddar in a creamy dressing.
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 recipe always brings back fond memories of summer picnics with family and friends.
Notes
For extra pickle flavor add more pickle juice or chopped pickles. Add cooked bacon or sliced hard-boiled eggs for extra protein. Best served chilled and can be made up to a day in advance.
Required Tools
Large pot Colander Large mixing bowl Whisk Cutting board & knife
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (cheddar cheese sour cream mayonnaise) Eggs (mayonnaise possibly in pasta) May contain gluten (rotini pasta) always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Save This dill pickle pasta salad is a refreshing twist on classic pasta salads perfect for warm weather.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Rotini or similarly shaped pasta that holds dressing well is ideal to capture the creamy texture and chunky ingredients.
- → Can I substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt works as a lighter substitute, providing creaminess while maintaining tanginess.
- → How long should the salad chill before serving?
At least one hour in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld and develop fully.
- → Can I add protein to this dish?
Adding cooked bacon or sliced hard-boiled eggs boosts protein and adds extra flavor and texture.
- → Is it possible to make this ahead of time?
Yes, it can be prepared a day in advance and kept chilled to enhance flavor and convenience.