Save A tangy, creamy pasta salad bursting with dill pickles, cheddar, and fresh herbs perfect for picnics and potlucks.
This is one of my go-to dishes for summer gatherings it always gets rave reviews.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) budget rotini pasta, Salt for boiling water
- Vegetables & Pickles: 1 1/2 cups (225 g) dill pickles diced, 1/2 cup (60 g) red onion finely diced, 2/3 cup (90 g) celery diced, 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh dill chopped
- Cheese: 1 cup (115 g) sharp cheddar cheese cubed or shredded
- Dressing: 3/4 cup (180 ml) mayonnaise, 1/4 cup (60 ml) sour cream, 2 tbsp (30 ml) dill pickle juice, 1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp salt or to taste
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil Cook rotini according to package instructions until al dente Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl combine the cooled pasta diced pickles red onion celery cheddar cheese and fresh dill
- Step 3:
- In a separate bowl whisk together mayonnaise sour cream pickle juice Dijon mustard garlic powder black pepper and salt until smooth
- Step 4:
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated
- Step 5:
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld
- Step 6:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving Garnish with extra dill if desired
Save My family loves gathering around this salad especially when we include crispy bacon or sliced hard-boiled eggs.
Required Tools
Large pot, Colander, Large mixing bowl, Whisk, Cutting board & knife
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (cheddar cheese sour cream mayonnaise), Eggs (mayonnaise possibly in pasta). May contain gluten (rotini pasta) use gluten-free pasta if needed Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens
Nutritional Information
Calories 350, Total Fat 21 g, Carbohydrates 31 g, Protein 9 g per serving
Save This dill pickle pasta salad is a refreshing crowd-pleaser perfect for any casual gathering.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of pasta works best in this dish?
Short, sturdy pastas like rotini hold the dressing well and provide a satisfying texture.
- → Can I adjust the tanginess of the dressing?
Yes, increasing pickle juice or adding more diced pickles enhances the tangy flavor.
- → How long should I chill this pasta before serving?
Refrigerate at least one hour to allow the flavors to blend and the salad to chill thoroughly.
- → Are there alternative ingredients for a lighter version?
Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a lighter, tangier dressing without sacrificing creaminess.
- → What additions can increase protein content?
Adding cooked bacon or sliced hard-boiled eggs will boost protein and add depth of flavor.