Description
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is a tangy and creamy pasta dish packed with sharp cheddar, baby dill pickles, fresh dill, and a zesty dressing made from mayonnaise, sour cream, and pickle juice. Perfect for picnics and summer gatherings, this salad is flavorful, easy to prepare, and sure to please fans of bold, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Salad
- 16 ounce package Rotini Pasta
- 2 cups baby dill pickles sliced ⅛ inch thick
- 1½ cup diced sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup finely chopped sweet yellow onion (like Vidalia)
- ½ cup sliced green onion
- 4 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (divided: 2 tablespoons for pasta, 2 tablespoons for dressing)
Dressing
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- ⅓ cup dill pickle juice
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chipotle powder
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a 6 to 7 quart pot of water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook uncovered until the pasta is al dente, about 12-15 minutes depending on the pasta brand.
- Drain and Cool Pasta: Drain the pasta using a colander and immediately run cold water over the pasta to halt the cooking process. Allow it to drain completely before transferring to a large bowl.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Stir in the sliced baby dill pickles, diced sharp cheddar cheese, finely chopped sweet yellow onion, sliced green onion, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill into the pasta until well combined.
- Make Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, dill pickle juice, onion powder, remaining 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped dill, kosher salt, black pepper, and chipotle powder until smooth and thoroughly combined.
- Assemble Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and stir well until everything is evenly coated with dressing.
- Chill: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour to let flavors meld and the salad chill before serving.
Notes
- Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Stir well before serving again and add a splash of pickle juice or a spoonful of mayo or sour cream to refresh creaminess if needed.
- Let pasta cool fully before mixing with dressing to prevent sogginess.
- Use tangy, garlicky dill pickles instead of sweet pickles for a bold savory flavor.
- Start with a small pinch of chipotle powder and adjust to taste as it can become smoky quickly.
- Optional: Add crumbled cooked bacon for extra savory crunch.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley or dill on top before serving for a vibrant, fresh presentation.
