Print

Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

creamy dill pickle pasta salad - featured image

A tangy, creamy, and crunchy pasta salad featuring dill pickles and a flavorful creamy dill dressing, perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340g) rotini pasta (or any short pasta you like)
  • 1 cup dill pickles, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 1 cup mayonnaise (Duke’s or Hellmann’s recommended)
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340g) of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta quickly and stop the cooking process. Set aside in a large bowl.
  2. While the pasta cooks, finely chop 1 cup of dill pickles and 1/2 cup of red onion. If using fresh dill, chop about 1 tablespoon now.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and the fresh or dried dill. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. Add the chopped pickles, onions, and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (if using) to the cooled pasta. Pour the dressing over the top and gently fold everything together until well coated. Be gentle to avoid breaking pasta shapes.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors blend beautifully. For best flavor, chill for several hours or overnight.
  6. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir, taste for seasoning, and add a sprinkle of fresh dill on top for a bright pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; al dente texture is best. Chilling the salad for at least 1 hour improves flavor. Use fresh dill if possible for best flavor. Add extra pickle juice or mayo if salad seems dry after chilling. Transport in a cooler bag for potlucks.

Nutrition

Keywords: dill pickle pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, potluck recipe, easy pasta salad, dill pickle recipe, summer salad