DILL PICKLE PASTA SALAD

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is a tangy and creamy dish that’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a side dish for any occasion.

Why Make Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is a delicious twist on a classic dish, combining the tangy flavor of dill pickles with creamy dressing and pasta. It’s quick and easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser!

How to Make Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta al dente according to the package directions.
2. Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, onion powder, and fresh dill.
3. Combine Ingredients: Drain the cooked pasta in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Drain well and transfer the pasta to a large bowl. Stir in the mayonnaise mixture, diced dill pickles, and cubed cheddar cheese until well combined.
4. Season and Garnish: Season the pasta salad with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh dill and additional diced dill pickles if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Dill Pickle Pasta Salad chilled as a side dish or add grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal. It’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, potlucks, or as a simple weeknight dinner.

Storage Info

Store leftover Dill Pickle Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Techniques and Tips

• Rinse the cooked pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking together.
• Adjust the amount of pickle juice and dill according to your taste preference.
• For extra flavor, add some diced red onion or crispy bacon to the pasta salad.

Variation

You can add diced red onion, crispy bacon, or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor.

FAQs about Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

1. Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can use any short pasta shape like penne, bowtie, or macaroni.

2. Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time? Yes, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just give it a good stir before serving, and you may need to adjust the seasoning.

3. Can I use low-fat mayo and sour cream? Yes, you can use low-fat or light mayonnaise and sour cream if you prefer. However, the texture and flavor may be slightly different.

RECIPE

Ingredients:

Salad Dressing:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup dill pickle juice (from the pickle jar)
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped, plus more for garnish

Pasta:

• 1 lb. cellentani or corkscrew pasta
• 2 cups diced baby dill pickles, plus more for garnish
• 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta al dente according to the package directions.
2. Drain the cooked pasta in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Drain well and transfer the pasta to a large bowl.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, onion powder, and fresh dill.
4. Stir the mayonnaise mixture, diced dill pickles, and cubed cheddar cheese into the pasta until well combined.
5. Season the pasta salad with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped fresh dill and additional diced dill pickles if desired.