Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe (Perfect for Potlucks and BBQs)
There’s just something irresistible about a good pasta salad, especially when it’s got a tangy, crunchy twist. That’s where this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad comes in. It’s creamy, flavorful, loaded with zippy dill pickles, and has the kind of texture and taste that’ll keep everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re heading to a summer BBQ, packing a picnic, or meal prepping for the week, this salad hits all the right notes. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and even easier to devour.
Ingredients
- 3 cups dry rotini pasta
- 1 ½ cups chopped dill pickles (plus 2 tbsp pickle juice)
- ½ cup chopped red onion
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup chopped celery (optional but adds crunch)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
| Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 6–8 |
Instructions: How to Make Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions, about 9–10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking.
Step 2: Prep the Veggies and Cheese
While the pasta is cooking, chop the dill pickles, red onion, celery (if using), and shred your cheddar cheese. Set everything aside in a large bowl.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, dill pickle juice, and dill. Add salt and pepper to taste. The dressing should be thick and creamy with a hint of tartness from the pickle juice.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the cooled pasta to your bowl of chopped ingredients. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss until everything is coated evenly.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors time to meld and makes it even more delicious.
Tips for the Best Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
- Don’t skip the pickle juice. It adds so much flavor to the dressing and ties the whole salad together.
- Use block cheese. Shredding your own cheddar (instead of using pre-shredded) gives better texture and a fresher taste.
- Chill before serving. Letting it sit in the fridge allows the flavors to really come together.
- Short on time? You can make the salad up to a day ahead and store it in the fridge.
Recipe Variations
- Add Protein: Toss in some diced ham, grilled chicken, or crumbled bacon for a heartier dish.
- Make it Spicy: Use spicy pickles or add a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
- Swap the Pasta: Bowtie, macaroni, or shells all work great in place of rotini.
- Greek Yogurt Swap: Replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy, healthier twist.
Related Post: Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe
FAQs
Can I make Dill Pickle Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes. In fact, it tastes better after a few hours in the fridge. Just give it a stir before serving and add a little extra mayo if it looks dry.
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for about 3–4 days when stored in an airtight container.
Can I use sweet pickles instead of dill?
You can, but it will completely change the flavor profile. Dill pickles give that classic tang, while sweet pickles will make it taste more like a bread-and-butter salad.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Only if you use gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.