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This Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is my go-to recipe for potluck season—it always ends up being the star of the table. The creamy dressing is packed with a briny, tangy bite that I just can’t get enough of. It’s the perfect side dish to serve alongside hot dogs and hamburgers, whether I’m heading to a summer picnic or a graduation cookout.
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Pin ItEasy Pickle Pasta Salad
I’m a huge fan of anything with pickles, so it’s no surprise this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad has become a staple in my kitchen—especially during the warmer months. It’s tangy, creamy, and packed with crunchy pickles and tender pasta, making it the ultimate side dish for cookouts, picnics, or easy lunches. Every bite delivers that briny, bold flavor I love, and the whole thing comes together in no time. If you’re a pickle lover like me, this one’s a must-try!
This is a variation on an idea from my friend Holly at Spend with Pennies! Be sure to check out her version too!
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb. dry rotini pasta (1 box), or any short shaped pasta
- 8 oz. sharp white cheddar cheese sliced into cubes
- 2 cups diced dill pickles plus more for topping, try homemade
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill plus more for topping, dried also works
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives plus more for topping
- ¾ cup mayonnaise store-bought or homemade, regular or low fat
- ½ cup sour cream low fat also works
- ⅔ cup pickle juice (from the pickle jar)
- ½ white onion minced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta to al dente according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and let it cool completely.1 lb. dry rotini pasta
- Add the pasta, cheese cubes, diced dill pickles, dill, and chives to a large salad bowl.8 oz. sharp white cheddar cheese, 2 cups diced dill pickles, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
- In a separate dish, whisk the mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, onion, garlic, salt, and black pepper together.¾ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup sour cream, ⅔ cup pickle juice, ½ white onion, 2 cloves garlic, ½ tsp kosher salt, ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- Toss the dressing and salad ingredients together until combined. Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. Toss the salad with an additional ¼-½ cup pickle juice if desired.
- Top the salad with extra pickles, dill, and chives.
Becky’s Tips
- Try a mix of dill and sweet pickles for a sweet and savory salad.
- If you’re worried about the onions having too much bite, soak them in ice water for 10 minutes before adding them to the dressing.
- I recommend rinsing pasta after cooking. This helps rinse off any excess starch, stops the pasta from overcooking, and allows it to cool much faster.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
How to Make Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Step by Step
Cook the pasta: Cook 1 lb. pasta to al dente according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and let it cool completely.
Combine the ingredients: Add the pasta, 8 oz. cheese cubes, 2 cups diced dill pickles, 1 tbsp dill, and 1 tbsp chives to a large salad bowl.
Make the dressing: In a separate dish, whisk ¾ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup sour cream, ⅔ cup pickle juice, ½ white onion, 2 cloves garlic, ½ tsp kosher salt, and ¼ tsp ground black pepper.
Toss and refrigerate: Toss the dressing and salad ingredients together until combined. Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. Toss the salad with an additional ¼-½ cup pickle juice if desired.
Top and serve: Top the salad with extra pickles, dill, and chives and enjoy.
Variations
- Go ahead and switch up the cheese to change the flavor profile slightly. I like pepper jack, provolone, Swiss, or Colby Jack cheese too.
- Try adding fresh veggies, like cherry tomatoes, celery, carrots, bell pepper, or red onion, to stretch this salad further. They add a pop of color, too!
- To make it more filling, try adding a protein, like shredded chicken, canned tuna, or bacon crumbles.
The possibilities are endless!
How to Store
Store leftover dill pickle pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serve chilled for the best taste.
Serving Suggestions
Surprise everyone with this tangy twist on a classic pasta salad, aka my favorite summer potluck recipe! If you want to go the extra mile, we recommend bringing this mind-blowing grilled corn salad or a juicy grilled peach salad too. I also love bringing this lavender lemonade for the kids and a summer wine slush for the adults!
