Description
This Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is the ultimate make-ahead cold dish with creamy tang, crisp pickles, sharp cheddar, and fresh dill. The rotini holds the herby dressing perfectly, while the sour cream-mayo blend keeps it rich but refreshing. Ideal for BBQs, picnics, or weekday lunch.
Ingredients
12 ounces rotini pasta
2 tablespoons pickle juice (for pasta)
0.75 cup chopped dill pickles
0.5 cup small-diced red onion
0.75 cup cubed sharp cheddar cheese
0.5 cup mayonnaise
0.25 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon pickle juice (for dressing)
1 pinch garlic powder
1 small clove garlic, grated
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill
Fresh dill sprigs, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the rotini pasta to al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water.
2. While still warm, toss pasta with 2 tablespoons of pickle juice to prevent clumping and layer flavor.
3. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, 1 tablespoon pickle juice, garlic powder, grated garlic, and chopped fresh dill.
4. In a large shallow mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped pickles, red onion, and cubed cheddar.
5. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently fold everything together with a silicone spatula.
6. Chill the salad for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld and dressing thicken.
7. Before serving, garnish with extra dill sprigs or pickle slices if desired.
8. Serve cold straight from the fridge for best flavor and texture.
Notes
Use cold, crunchy pickles like Claussen or Grillo’s for best texture.
Always mix in a wide, shallow bowl to avoid crushing ingredients and ensure even dressing distribution.
To revive leftovers, stir in a splash of pickle juice or sour cream before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Pasta Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: dill pickle pasta salad, cold picnic salad, creamy pasta salad