Description
Tangy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for summer gatherings or as a vibrant side. Featuring al dente pasta mixed with diced dill pickles, fresh herbs, and a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, sour cream, and pickle juice, this salad offers a delightful tangy twist with subtle savory notes. Optional additions of shredded carrots, red onion, and cheddar cheese add texture and depth, making this salad a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and chill ahead.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 3 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni, rotini, or shells)
- 1 1/2 cups dill pickles, diced
- 1/3 cup shredded carrots (optional)
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, cubed (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped (or 2 tsp dried dill)
Dressing
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup pickle juice (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and let cool completely to stop cooking and avoid stickiness.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, pickle juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed to balance tanginess and seasoning.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with diced dill pickles, shredded carrots, finely diced red onion, cubed cheddar cheese if using, and chopped fresh dill for fresh herbaceous flavor.
- Mix and Chill: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss thoroughly to ensure even coating. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
- Serve: Serve the salad chilled, optionally garnished with extra fresh dill or diced pickles for visual appeal and added freshness.
Notes
- Use pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, rotini, or shells that hold dressing well.
- Adjust pickle juice amount in dressing to control tanginess to your preference.
- Dill can be fresh or dried; fresh dill offers a brighter flavor.
- For a lighter dressing, use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- This salad is best served chilled and can be prepared in advance.
- Optional vegetables and cheese add texture but can be omitted for a simpler salad.
