Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

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Tangy, creamy, and packed with crunch, this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is the ultimate sidekick for your summer BBQs, potlucks, and casual gatherings. If you’re a fan of pickles, you’re in for a treat—each bite bursts with bold dill flavor that perfectly complements the tender pasta and creamy dressing.

What sets this pasta salad apart is its simplicity and its punch of flavor. With just a few staple ingredients and a short prep time, you get a chilled dish that’s both refreshing and savory. It’s especially ideal when you need a make-ahead option that gets even better after sitting overnight in the fridge.

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What Kind of Pickles Work Best in Pasta Salad?

For the best texture and flavor, go with crunchy dill pickles—either whole or spears that you can chop finely. Avoid sweet pickles or bread-and-butter pickles, as their sugary flavor doesn’t mesh well with the creamy, tangy base of this recipe. Kosher dill pickles or homemade refrigerator pickles are excellent choices if you want maximum flavor and crunch.

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Ingredients for the Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

• 12 oz elbow macaroni (or rotini, cooked and cooled)
• 1 cup dill pickles, chopped finely
• 2/3 cup cheddar cheese, cubed small
• 1/2 cup red onion, minced
• 1/2 cup dill pickle juice (divided)
• 2/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

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How To Make the Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Boil the pasta according to the package instructions. Once tender, drain and rinse under cold water. Let it cool completely.

Step 2: Marinate with Pickle Juice

Toss the cooled pasta with 1/4 cup of the dill pickle juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to soak up that briny flavor.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Dressing

In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, remaining 1/4 cup pickle juice, garlic powder, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth.

Step 4: Combine All Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the marinated pasta, chopped pickles, red onion, and cheddar cheese. Pour the dressing over the top and mix everything together until evenly coated.

Step 5: Chill Before Serving

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight) before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify.

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How to Serve and Store Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Serve this pasta salad cold, ideally alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or other picnic favorites. It’s an excellent addition to summer spreads, holiday buffets, or weekday lunches.

To store, keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best consumed within 3-4 days. If it thickens too much after sitting, stir in a splash of pickle juice or a spoonful of mayo before serving to revive its creamy consistency.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Rotini, penne, or shells work just as well. Just make sure it’s cooked al dente.

Can I make this pasta salad in advance?

Yes, in fact it’s better! Making it a day ahead allows the flavors to fully develop.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

You can. Greek yogurt adds a slight tang and boosts the protein, making it a great alternative.

Is it okay to skip the cheese?

Yes, the salad still tastes great without it, especially if you’re aiming for a dairy-light version.

What can I use instead of fresh dill?

Dried dill works well. Use about 1 teaspoon in place of the fresh herb.

Can I add more veggies?

Certainly! Chopped celery, shredded carrots, or peas make delicious additions.

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Want More Salad Ideas with a Tangy Twist?

If you loved this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad, here are more refreshing options to explore:

• Fresh Pickled Cucumber Salad for a crisp and tangy side.
• Authentic 7-Layer Mexican Dip when you’re in the mood for creamy and zesty.
• Broccoli Salad that’s crunchy, sweet, and loaded with flavor.
• Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for a hearty protein-packed pairing.
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta if you want to turn your salad night into a full meal.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest salad board so you can revisit it whenever a craving hits.

And I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Did you add extra dill? Toss in some bacon? Share your spin in the comments or ask any questions. I’m always here to chat recipes and help you make them your own.

Looking for more creative ideas? Check out my Pinterest at Nina Dishes for daily inspiration straight from my kitchen.

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