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+ servings
image of rotini pasta dill pickles sharp cheddar cheese pickle juice mayonnaise sour cream fresh dill red onion bacon green onions radishes greek yogurt dried dill arranged on a white marble kitchen counter with healthy clear glass bowls and rustic brown wooden kitchen sets under soft diffuse daylight
C. Motter Cindy

Mouthwatering Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

This creamy dill pickle pasta salad combines tangy pickles with cool pasta in a rich mayonnaise-based dressing, making it the perfect side for summer picnics, BBQs, or potlucks.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 pound rotini or shell pasta (450g)
  • 1.5 cups dill pickles finely chopped, reserve 1/2 cup juice
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup mayonnaise full fat preferred
  • 0.5 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt substitute
  • 0.5 cup pickle juice reserved from jar
  • 0.25 cup fresh dill finely chopped
  • 0.25 cup red onion finely chopped, rinsed under cold water
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese cubed or shredded
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper freshly ground
Optional Add-ins
  • 4 slices bacon cooked crispy and crumbled
  • 0.25 cup green onions chopped
  • 0.25 cup radishes thinly sliced

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • large mixing bowl,
  • whisk or spatula

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini or shell pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain immediately in a colander.
  2. Rinse the pasta thoroughly under cold running water until completely cooled. Allow it to drain well to prevent a soupy salad.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and pickle juice until smooth and homogenous.
  4. Add the chopped fresh dill, red onion, salt, and black pepper to the dressing. Stir well.
  5. Gently fold in the chopped dill pickles and sharp cheddar cheese. Add optional bacon, green onions, or radishes if using.
  6. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing. Use a spatula to fold gently, ensuring every piece is coated.
  7. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld.
  8. Before serving, stir the salad. Adjust consistency with extra pickle juice or mayonnaise if needed. Serve chilled.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 20g

Notes

For best flavor, chill overnight. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Refresh with a splash of pickle juice if it thickens.
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