Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is a creamy, zesty, and irresistibly crunchy side dish that combines tender pasta shells with tangy dill pickles, sharp cheddar cheese, red onion, and fresh dill. Tossed in a flavorful dressing made from mayonnaise, sour cream, dill pickle juice, and Dijon mustard, this salad offers a refreshing twist on traditional pasta salads—ideal for summer gatherings, picnics, or any time you crave bold, savory flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is a must-try for those who love the briny, bold flavor of pickles. It’s not only quick to prepare but also perfect for feeding a crowd at potlucks, cookouts, or backyard parties. The creamy dressing balances the sharpness of the pickles and cheddar, while the fresh dill adds a bright, herbaceous touch. Best of all, it can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- small pasta shells
- dill pickles, sliced
- cheddar cheese, cubed
- red onion, finely chopped
- fresh dill, chopped
For the dressing:
- mayonnaise
- sour cream
- dill pickle juice
- Dijon mustard
- salt and pepper to taste
directions
- Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, dill pickles, cheddar cheese, red onion, and fresh dill.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and well blended.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until all ingredients are thoroughly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with additional dill and pickle slices if desired before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes plus at least 1 hour of chilling
Calories per Serving: Approximately 320 kcal
Variations
- Add protein: Include diced cooked chicken or chopped bacon for a heartier salad.
- Spicy twist: Mix in chopped jalapeños or use spicy pickles for added heat.
- Pasta alternatives: Swap shells for rotini, elbow macaroni, or bowties for different textures.
- Cheese options: Replace cheddar with pepper jack, Colby, or mozzarella for a new flavor profile.
- Vegan version: Use vegan mayonnaise, dairy-free sour cream, and plant-based cheese to adapt for vegan diets.
storage/reheating
Store Dill Pickle Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing. This salad is not suitable for freezing. It is best served cold and does not require reheating.
FAQs
What type of pickles work best for this salad?
Dill pickles are ideal, particularly whole or spears you can slice for optimal crunch. Avoid sweet pickles as they will alter the intended tangy flavor.
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, it is actually recommended to chill the salad for at least an hour before serving. You can prepare it up to a day in advance for best flavor.
How can I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Be sure to cook the pasta al dente and rinse it under cold water immediately to stop the cooking process.
Is there a substitute for fresh dill?
While fresh dill adds the best flavor, you can use dried dill in a pinch. Use one-third the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, other semi-firm cheeses like Colby Jack or Monterey Jack can be used as alternatives to cheddar.
How long does Dill Pickle Pasta Salad last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for up to 4 days in an airtight container when refrigerated.
Can I make this salad dairy-free?
Yes, simply use dairy-free alternatives for the mayonnaise, sour cream, and cheese.
What goes well with Dill Pickle Pasta Salad?
It pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, burgers, or as a tangy contrast to rich barbecue dishes.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute and adds a bit of tanginess while reducing fat content.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not by default, but you can use gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Conclusion
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is a tangy, creamy, and refreshing side dish that adds bold flavor to any summer spread. Whether you’re a pickle enthusiast or just looking for a unique twist on traditional pasta salads, this recipe is sure to please. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s the perfect make-ahead dish for your next gathering.
PrintDill Pickle Pasta Salad
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is a creamy and tangy side dish featuring pasta shells, cheddar cheese, red onion, and fresh dill, all tossed in a zesty dill pickle dressing—perfect for cookouts, potlucks, and pickle lovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes + chilling
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiled
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 cups small pasta shells
- 1 1/2 cups dill pickles, sliced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, cubed
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup dill pickle juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, sliced dill pickles, cheddar cheese, red onion, and fresh dill.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish with additional dill or pickle slices if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use baby dill pickles for a crisp, tangy bite in every forkful.
- Add a little garlic powder or chopped celery for extra flavor and crunch.
- Best served cold and made ahead for optimal flavor.
- Can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg