If you’re a pickle lover the way we are, you need this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad in your life. It’s creamy, tangy, and packed with that irresistible dill pickle flavor that somehow tastes even better the next day after a chill in the fridge. And honestly, this is one of those pasta salad recipes that disappears fast at any potluck, BBQ, or family gathering, so trust me, you’ll want to make a big bowl!
Give my dill pickle hummus a try too!
My daughter and I have a huge obsession with pickles! If there isn't at least one jar of pickles in the fridge open at any time, we panic! Baby dills, sliced dill pickles, dill pickle juice, you name it, we’ve probably snacked on it straight out of the jar.
So making a dill pickle pasta salad recipe just felt right! Two of our favorite things, pasta and dill pickles! It's a match made in Heaven and the whole family loved it! I make it for every Summer get together!
It also helps that this is one of those pasta salads that everyone falls for, even the people who swear they “don’t like pickles that much.” (They’re wrong, by the way. They just haven’t met the right pickle flavor yet!). Plus, it’s so easy to adjust! Give it a little extra crunch, more creamy dressing, more fresh dill, extra onions, whatever you like! And you can make this ahead of time, so it's great for meal prep too!
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Best Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
This Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is just what you barbecue is missing! It's creamy, tangy, and so easy to make! It’s the perfect balance of flavors, salty, tangy, creamy, and loaded with that signature crunch every pickle lover wants. You can use shell pasta, rotini, or any noodles that hold onto dressing well (shell pasta and rotini are great choices because they grab extra flavor in every bite).
One of the reasons this becomes such a crowd favorite is because it holds up so well. The flavors get even better as it sits, and it’s the ideal make-ahead recipe for busy days or big family gatherings. Put it in a large bowl, give it a good stir right before serving, and you’ve got a delicious pasta salad recipe that’s always going to be the first one to disappear.
Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Ingredients
This is where we pack in all the creamy dressing tastiness and the bold dill pickle flavor that makes this recipe so good. The best part is you only need a few simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cooked pasta. Follow package directions and rinse with cold water. The cold water helps keep the pasta from overcooking and turning into mush.
- Mayonnaise. Use full fat mayonnaise here. Low fat or fat free tends to be a little more watery and won't give you that yummy, creamy dressing we are going for. You can also do half mayo, half Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter version.
- Chopped dill pickles. Use whatever type of pickles you like and whatever brand you would like. Use baby dills, sliced, or any shape you love.
- Fresh dill for freshness and color
- Onions – red onion, white onion, or yellow onion all work
- Colby jack cheese or cheddar cheese, shredded. You can also cube them if you would like to get a little more cheese texture.
- Dill pickle juice for that extra punch.
- Black pepper + salt. To season the pasta salad.
Be sure to check out the printable recipe card for full recipe information on ingredients and quantities.
Easy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Additions & Variations
You can customize this pasta salad in so many fun ways. Here are some favorites:
- Add chopped celery for extra crunch.
- Swap cheddar cheese for Colby jack cheese or even Monterey jack cheese for a little extra spice.
- Mix in sliced green onions for some more green color.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of part of the mayo.
- Add cooked chicken for a full meal. You can also add shrimp or top this with salmon. I like to serve it as a side to instant pot turkey tenderloin or instant pot turkey breast.
- Add a splash more dill pickle juice if you love bold flavors
How to Make Dill Pickle Pasta Salad in 3 Simple Steps
Step 1
In a large bowl, whisk together cup mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or sour cream (if using), dill pickle juice, fresh dill, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. This is the creamy dressing that will coat all of the pasta.
Step 2
Boil your shell pasta according to package directions. Once done, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This keeps your noodles from getting mushy and helps the dressing cling better.
Step 3
Pour the dressing over the cooked pasta. Add chopped dill pickles, onions of your choice, and cheddar cheese or Colby jack cheese. Give everything a good stir.
Step 4
You can serve it immediately or you can cover it and place it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve it.
The Secret to Maximum Pickle Flavor
If you’re looking for some really big pickle flavor, I’ve learned a few tricks over the years. First, use dill pickle juice in the dressing, not just a splash, but enough to really taste the pickles. It gives that tangy flavor without watering down the dressing ingredients.
Second, chop the dill pickles into small pieces so they’re in every bite. Baby dills work amazingly because they’re extra crunchy. And third, add fresh dill! Not dried dill, fresh dill takes the flavor to the next level.
Finally, let the pasta salad chill in the fridge for at least an hour. This is when the flavors meld together so it's even better the next day.
Storage
Store your dill pickle pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. The flavors keep getting better, though you may want to give it a good stir before serving. If the dressing thickens overnight, add a splash of pickle juice or mayo to revive the creamy texture. Leftovers make the perfect next day lunch.
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe FAQs
Yes! Rinsing the cooked pasta with cold water stops the cooking process and prevents mushy noodles. Cold pasta also helps the creamy dressing cling better and protects the fresh flavors from warming up too much.
This pasta salad is a potluck superstar, but it also works perfectly with grilled chicken, burgers, hot dogs, BBQ ribs, and even roasted veggies. Anything smoky or savory pairs really well with the pickle flavor.
Cheddar cheese and colby jack cheese are top choices because they hold their shape and add a mild creaminess that contrasts perfectly with the zippy dill pickles. You can also use Monterey Jack for a softer flavor.
Did you make this recipe and love it?
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📖 Recipe
How to Make Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 lb Pasta Your favorite shape
- 1 cup Chopped dill pickles
- ¾ cup Cheddar cheese Cubed
- ½ cup Red onion Diced
- ½ cup Dill pickle juice From the jar
- ½ cup Mayo Full Fat
- ½ cup Sour Cream or Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 7–9 minutes).Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool it down quickly. Set that aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, pickle juice, and a little salt and pepper.
- Add cooled pasta, pickles, cheddar, onion, and dill. Toss until everything is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors blend. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Notes
- Let the pasta salad chill in the refrigerator before serving so you get the most pickle flavor out of the pasta salad.
- Use full fat mayonnaise and full fat sour cream for the dressing so you get the creamiest flavor and texture.
- Use your favorite dill pickles for this recipe. You'll want to use the pickles as well as the juice in this recipe.
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