Print

Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad with Cheddar

Close-up of creamy pickle pasta salad made with rotini pasta, dill, and chunks of yellow pickle, served on a light plate.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make this tangy and creamy dill pickle pasta salad, a simple side dish perfect for BBQs, potlucks, and summer gatherings. It features rotini pasta, sharp cheddar cheese, and a flavorful dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound rotini pasta
  • 1 cup chopped dill pickles (drained)
  • 1 cup dill pickle juice (reserved from the jar)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
  2. While the pasta cools, prepare the dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, dried dill weed, and garlic powder until smooth.
  3. Stir in the reserved dill pickle juice into the dressing mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped dill pickles, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped red onion, and celery.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Fold gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld. This step is key for the best flavor.
  7. Before serving, taste the salad again and add more salt or pepper if necessary. Garnish with fresh chopped dill.

Notes

  • Make this salad ahead of time; it tastes better after chilling for several hours.
  • If you want a ranch flavor twist, substitute 2 tablespoons of the mayonnaise with 2 tablespoons of dry ranch seasoning mix.
  • For a richer flavor profile suitable for meal planning, consider adding 4 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delicerecipe.com/pickle-pasta-salad-creamy-tangy-recipe/