What do you think about dill pickles in pasta salad? This isn’t your grandma’s mayo-laden macaroni salad. What are you talking about, Dill Pickle Pasta Salad? Is it like an Italian Pasta Salad went on a blind date with your favorite crunchy crunchy nuts? I love dill pickles and they hit it off! I was skeptical at first, but now it’s a potluck staple and my kids *beg* me to make it for them. I’ve made it twice in the past couple of years. If you’ve never tried something, you have GOT to try it.
What is a Dill Pickle Pasta Salad?
Think of it as your favorite Pasta Salad, but with a bold briny twist. What is a perfectly cooked pasta? ), a creamy, tangy dressing that’s gonna be sour and sweet, and, of course, cheese. What are some good dill pickles? What is the difference between pickle and vinegar in a pasta salad? What are some good dill pickles that are balanced with the usual sweetness? Is this a drink you’ve never tried before? I know it sounds weird, but the flavors work together in such a magical way!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Where do I start? What are the best ways to make a Dill Pickle Pasta Salad?
• Flavor:The combination of creamy dressing, salty pickles, and the slight sweetness is just… What is a flavor explosion in every bite? Is it good, interesting, crave-able, the kind of thing you can’t stop doing? Is fresh dill good for you?
• Simplicity:What are some of the best recipes that you can throw together in one bowl? If you can boil pasta and chop pickles, you could make this. What makes it perfect for a last minute potluck? I always feel like a rockstar pulling this out of my hat.
• Cost-What are some of the best salads to make on a budget? Pasta is cheap, pickles are relatively inexpensive, and the other ingredients are probably already there. What is in your pantry? Plus, it makes a ton, so it’s great for feeding dozens of people or having leftovers for lunch.
• Versatility:Can you customize this to your liking? Add some chopped ham or cheese for extra protein, throw in some veggies like bell peppers or cauliflower. I like cucumbers, or spice it up with a little bit of red pepper flakes. What are some great side dishes to serve with Grilled Chicken, burgers, or just a sandwich? What are the possibilities?
What I love about this recipe is how unexpected it is. Everyone raves about it and asks for the recipe. Is this a crowd pleaser? What is your favorite macaroni salad?
How do I make a Dill Pickle Pasta Salad?
Quick Overview
How do I make a Dill Pickle Pasta Salad? You’ll start by cooking your pasta until it’s perfectly al dente. While that’s cooking, you’ll whisk together the creamy, tangy dressing. What are some of the best ways to chop up dill pickles? What’s a good time to toss everything together and let it chill in the fridge for ten minutes before serving. Is it that simple?
Ingredients
What is Pasta Salad?
• 1 pound rotini pasta (or your favorite short pasta shape)
• 1 12 cups dill pickle spears, chopped (I like the Claussen brand for extra crunch!)
• 12 cup red onion, finely chopped (optional, but adds a nice bite)
• 14 cup fresh dill, chopped (don’t skimp on this)
• 4 hard boiled eggs, chopped (adds protein and creaminess)
• 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese(optional)
For the Dressing:
• 1 cup mayonnaise (I prefer full-fat for the best flavor and texture, but light mayo works too)
• 1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt for a tangier option)
• 14 cup dill pickle brine (this is the magic ingredient!)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (balances the tanginess)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (adds a little zing)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
How do I follow step
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
What is the best way to boil salted water? Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Don’t overcook it! What do you like about mushy pasta salad? Once cooked, drain it well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. How do you prevent pasta from sticking together?
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), dill pickle brine and salt. Set aside. Sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Blend well. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. I sometimes add a little extra pickle brine for an extra punch of flavor.
Step 3: Chop the Ingredients
While the pasta is cooking, chop the dill pickles, red onion (if using), fresh cilantro, and hard-boiled eggs. I like to chop the pickles into small pieces so they’re evenly distributed throughout the salad.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta, chopped dill pickles, red onion (if using), fresh spinach, and hard-boiled eggs. Mix well. How do you add dressing to a bowl? Gently toss everything together until it’s well combined. Make sure all the pasta is coated in that delicious dressing!
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or even better, for a few hours. How do you get the flavors to meld and the salad to get nice and cold? Before serving, give it a good stir and add some mayonnaise if needed. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Step 6: Optional Add-ins
If you’re feeling fancy, you can add shredded cheddar cheese before serving. What’s a good salad to serve with ham or bacon?
Step 7: Enjoy!
Serve this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad as a side dish at your next BBQ, potluck, or picnic. Or, enjoy it as a light lunch or dinner. What are some good ways to keep leftovers in the fridge for a few days?
Step 8: Share and Get Creative
I always say try something new when cooking because you never know what new favorite you might have. What is the best way to be creative in the kitchen?
What should I serve it with?
What are some good ways to serve Dill Pickle Pasta Salad? What are some of my favorite serving suggestions?
For a BBQ:What are some great side dishes to bring to a backyard barbecue? What are some good ways to serve this with grilled burgers, hot dogs, chicken, or ribs? The tanginess of pickles cuts through the richness of the grilled meats perfectly.
For a Picnic:What is a good salad to take to the park? Is easy to transport and doesn’t require any heating or assembly? Serve it with a salad, chips, and fresh fruit.
For a Light Lunch: Enjoy a bowl of this salad as a light and refreshing lunch. Add some chopped ham or chicken for extra protein. It’s also great with a side of crackers or a piece of crusty bread.
For a Potluck: This salad is always a hit at potlucks. It’s unique, flavorful, and easy to make in large quantities. Just be prepared to share the recipe!
Honestly, my favorite way to eat this is straight from the fridge with a fork. Don’t judge! It’s just so addictively delicious. My family always says it’s great to bring to holidays since it’s so unique.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks for making the perfect Dill Pickle Pasta Salad. Here are my top tips:
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: This is crucial! Overcooked pasta will get mushy and ruin the texture of the salad. Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, meaning it’s still slightly firm to the bite. Rinse it with cold water after draining to stop the cooking process.
Use Good Quality Pickles: The pickles are the star of this salad, so make sure you use good quality ones that you enjoy. I prefer Claussen pickles because they’re extra crunchy and have a great flavor. But feel free to use your favorite brand. Also, ensure you chopped your pickles evenly, so no one gets a huge bite and another person gets nothing.
Don’t Skimp on the Dill: Fresh dill adds so much flavor and brightness to this salad. Don’t be afraid to use a generous amount. If you don’t have fresh dill, you can use dried dill, but it won’t be quite as flavorful. For dried dill use about 1 tablespoon.
Taste and Adjust the Seasonings: The dressing is what really makes this salad special, so make sure it’s perfectly seasoned to your liking. Taste it and add more salt, pepper, sugar, or pickle brine as needed. I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
Let It Chill: This salad tastes best when it’s had a chance to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to get nice and cold. If you have time, let it chill for a few hours or even overnight.
Add Some Crunch: For extra crunch, try adding some chopped celery or bell peppers to the salad. You can also add some toasted pecans or walnuts for a nutty flavor.
After making it a few times you get a real feel for the quantities of what you like! For example, I personally love pickles, so sometimes I add a little extra!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Dill Pickle Pasta Salad keeps well in the fridge for several days, making it perfect for meal prepping or leftovers. Here are some storing and reheating tips:
Refrigerator Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The dressing may start to separate slightly after a few days, but it will still taste delicious. Just give it a good stir before serving.
Room Temperature: I don’t recommend leaving the salad out at room temperature for more than a couple of hours, as the mayonnaise can spoil. If you’re serving it at a picnic or barbecue, keep it in a cooler with ice packs.
Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the pasta and mayonnaise will change texture and become mushy. It’s best to make it fresh and enjoy it within a few days.
Glaze Timing Advice: This recipe doesn’t have a glaze. Make sure to only add the dressing when you’re ready to eat. Do not add it prior to refrigerating.
The only problem with storing it, is that it disappears so fast at my house that it barely has time to even be refrigerated!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! My Dill Pickle Pasta Salad recipe that’s always a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, customizable, and totally addictive. Whether you’re looking for a new side dish to bring to a BBQ or a light lunch to enjoy on a hot day, this salad is sure to hit the spot. If you enjoyed this, you’ll probably love my other pasta salad recipes too, like my Classic Italian Pasta Salad or my Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad. I’m always trying new recipes, so if you have any suggestions let me know!
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family and I do. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own! And most importantly, have fun in the kitchen! Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Happy cooking!
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Pasta (rotini, farfalle, or your favorite shape)
- 1 cup Dill pickle relish
- 0.5 cup Mayonnaise
- 0.25 cup Sour cream
- 2 tablespoons White vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dill Fresh or dried
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, dill pickle relish, mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, dill, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until well combined.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
