Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tangy & Creamy: The dill pickles and creamy dressing create a perfect balance of flavors.
Easy & Quick: Ready in about 30 minutes with minimal ingredients.
Customizable: You can add more veggies, proteins, or seasoning to make it your own.

Ingredients

(Tip: Full ingredient list and measurements are in the recipe card below.)

For the Pasta Salad:

1 lb (16 oz) elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta
1 cup dill pickles, chopped (plus a few extra for garnish)
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped (optional, for extra dill flavor)
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)

For the Dressing:

1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons dill pickle juice (from the pickle jar)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for sweetness)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down. Set aside to fully drain.

2. Prepare the Veggies:

While the pasta is cooling, chop the dill pickles, red onion, celery, and fresh dill (if using). Set them aside.

3. Make the Dressing:

In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, dill pickle juice, Dijon mustard, sugar (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

4. Assemble the Salad:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, chopped pickles, red onion, celery, and fresh dill (if using).
Pour the dressing over the pasta and veggies, then toss everything together until evenly coated.

5. Chill & Serve:

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. For best results, let it chill for a few hours or overnight.
Before serving, garnish with extra chopped dill pickles and fresh dill (if desired).

6. Serve:

Serve chilled as a side dish or light meal, and enjoy the tangy, creamy flavors!

Servings and Timing

Serves: 6-8
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Total time: 45 minutes to 1 hour

Variations

Add Protein: To make it a more filling meal, add cooked chicken, or hard-boiled eggs.
Swap the Pasta: You can use rotini, penne, or any pasta shape you like.
Add Veggies: Include bell peppers, cucumbers, or even shredded carrots for added crunch and color.
Spicy Version: Add some chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits!
Reheating: This salad is best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat.

FAQs

Can I use any type of pickle?

While dill pickles are traditional, you can experiment with sweet pickles or bread-and-butter pickles if you prefer a sweeter flavor.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad gets even better after sitting for a few hours or overnight in the fridge, so it’s perfect for make-ahead meals.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?

Yes! You can substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version of the dressing.

Can I add cheese to this salad?

Yes, shredded cheddar cheese or even crumbled feta would pair wonderfully with this salad.

Is this salad gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free pasta, this salad can easily be made gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is a refreshing, creamy, and tangy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The crispy pickles, crunchy veggies, and creamy dressing create a well-balanced and satisfying side dish. Whether for a summer barbecue, picnic, or just as a quick and easy meal, this pasta salad is sure to be a hit!

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe