Name: Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups pasta (elbow macaroni, rotini, or shells), cooked and cooled; 1 cup dill pickles, chopped; 1 cup cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded; 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced; 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped; Dressing:; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and black pepper to taste

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This Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is tangy, creamy, and full of crunch. I love how the briny dill pickles balance perfectly with tender pasta and a creamy dressing. It’s a fun twist on a classic pasta salad that always gets people talking at potlucks, barbecues, or family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s unique yet comforting. The dill pickles add a bold flavor that makes the salad stand out, while the pasta and creamy dressing keep it familiar. I also enjoy how quick it is to put together, and the flavors get even better as it chills. It’s one of those dishes I like to make ahead so it’s ready to serve when guests arrive. Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pasta (elbow macaroni, rotini, or shells)
Dill pickles, chopped
Cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
Red onion, finely diced
Fresh dill, chopped

Dressing

Mayonnaise
Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Dill pickle juice (from the jar)
Garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Add pasta, chopped dill pickles, cheddar cheese, red onion, and fresh dill to the bowl. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
Stir before serving, and adjust seasoning if needed.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6–8 servings. Prep time is 15 minutes, cook time is 10 minutes, and total time is about 25 minutes (plus chilling time).

Variations

If I want extra crunch, I toss in chopped celery. For more protein, I stir in diced shredded chicken. I’ve also tried swapping cheddar for pepper jack to give it a little kick.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since the pasta can absorb dressing as it sits, I sometimes stir in a spoonful of mayo or a splash of pickle juice before serving again to freshen it up. This salad is served cold and doesn’t need reheating.

FAQs

Can I use sweet pickles instead of dill?

Yes, but the flavor will be very different—sweeter and less tangy. I prefer dill pickles for the classic taste.

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, I usually make it the day before and let it chill overnight. The flavors get stronger as it sits.

What kind of pasta works best?

I like using small pasta shapes like rotini, shells, or elbow macaroni since they hold the dressing well.

Can I lighten the dressing?

Yes, I swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt to make it a little lighter and tangier.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, I use gluten-free pasta, and it works just as well.

Conclusion

I love how this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is creamy, tangy, and a little unexpected. It’s the perfect side dish for cookouts, picnics, or anytime I want a pasta salad with bold flavor. The crunchy pickles and creamy dressing make it a dish I keep coming back to again and again.

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe