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This dill pickle pasta salad is always a hit at summer potlucks and cookouts. It’s creamy, crunchy, and hard to resist, even for non-pickle lovers!
Need a side that’s ready in no time but tastes like you’ve spent a couple of hours in the kitchen?
“No big deal!” says this dill pickle salad.
It’s packed with all the good stuff: crunchy pickles, cheddar cubes, black olives, and pasta in a creamy pickle brine dressing. I promise you’ll love it even if you’re not a fan of pickles.
It’s also best served cold, so feel free to make it in advance!
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Your salad routine deserves more than just greens and vinaigrette. Try our bacon ranch pasta salad and pear Gorgonzola salad for a fresh twist.
Why You’ll Love This Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe
- Cold and made to go with BBQ favorites, this pasta and pickle salad is the ultimate summer side dish!
- This dill pickle pasta salad is make-ahead friendly and just as good the next day.
- This dill pickle macaroni salad is easy to customize, so it will never feel repetitive.
Ingredients
Salad:
Elbow pasta – A classic pick for cold pasta salads. You can use any shape that can hold onto the dressing.
Dill pickles – We like baby dill pickles since they slice easily. You want the chopped pickles to mix well with the pasta for even, crunchy bites!
Sharp cheddar cheese – Use whatever cheese you’re into.
Black olives – The saltiness gives the salad a more complex flavor profile. They also break up the light colors on the salad nicely because we eat with our eyes first, right?
Cheese, pickles, tender macaroni, and creamy mayo dressing? Don’t pretend you haven’t thought about tossing in some chopped bacon as well!
Dressing:
Mayonnaise – You can try light or vegan mayo, but this dill pickle macaroni salad calls for the richness of real, full-fat mayonnaise.
Pickle brine – Before you wash that pickle jar, save the dill pickle juice! We’ll add a bit to the dressing to crank up the salad’s pickle goodness and also lighten the mayo. Don’t overlook this extra ingredient!
Milk – Creates a dressing that clings perfectly to the macaroni.
Garlic powder and onion powder – We’re using garlic and onion powder to season the dressing instead. That way, there’s no need to finely dice anything. Who wants big chunks of raw garlic or onion in their salad?
Dry dill – You can also use fresh dill.
Salt and black pepper – Season to taste. You won’t need a lengthy list of spices because this dill pickle pasta salad is already flavorful.
Salted water – The secret for the best-tasting dill pickle macaroni salad? Salt the boiling water!
Ingredient Substitutions For Dill Pickle Salad
Rotini Pasta
Any small, short pasta shape will be perfect for this dill pickle pasta salad. The curves of rotini spiral pasta make it a great alternative to macaroni!
Colby Jack Cheese
Can’t decide on what cheese to use that is not cheddar? Colby Jack‘s mild flavor makes it an easy choice if you’re not sure what everyone will like.
Sour Cream
Use sour cream instead of milk for a thicker dressing. Greek yogurt also works.
Tips For Making This Recipe
Don’t Overcook Your Pasta
Cook the noodles in salted boiling water until al dente. Once your pasta is cooked all the way through with a slight chew, drain and rinse immediately under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Serving Ideas
Planning the best summer menu? This dill pickle pasta salad pairs well with burgers, grilled salmon, BBQ ribs, pulled pork, and chicken tenders!
Storage Tips
You can store your leftover dill pickle salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Pasta and Pickles Salad Recipe FAQs
Do pickles go in pasta salad?
Of course! Crunchy pickles complement the tender pasta, and their tangy, salty flavor balances the rich and creamy dressing.
What are some common pasta salad mistakes to avoid?
One common mistake is not seasoning from the start, so always salt your pasta water for a flavorful pasta salad. If you also like your pasta on the softer side, try cooking it a minute past al dente. You don’t want it mushy, but pasta does get a bit chewy as it cools.
What is a good combo with dill pickles?
Dill pickles aren’t just for macaroni salad. They’re also great in potato salad, on cheese boards, in sandwiches, burgers, and deviled eggs!
Is it better to make pasta salad the day before or the day of?
It’s better to make pasta salad the day before. This gives the flavors time to meld and allows the dressing to thicken slightly. If it looks a bit dry the next day, stir in a little more mayo or milk before serving.
Can you freeze dill pickle pasta salad?
This dill pickle macaroni salad doesn’t freeze well. The pasta will just fall apart, and the dressing will likely separate once it’s thawed.
More Delicious Salad Recipes
- Celery Salad
- Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
- Spicy Kani Salad
- Strawberry Jello Salad
- Snicker Apple Salad
I found this recipe for Greek Pasta Salad that I HAVE to try!
Yay! You have made it this far, and I am so glad! Hey – If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a quick review & star rating ★ below.
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 1/2 lb elbow pasta
- 3/4 cup dill pickles, diced into small cubes
- 3/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese, diced into small cubes
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
For the dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp pickle brine
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dry dill
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Salted water for cooking the pasta
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, rinse, and set aside to cool.
- Combine the mayonnaise, pickle juice, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Add the pasta, pickles, cheese, black olives, and dressing to a large bowl.
- Gently toss until everything is well coated with the dressing.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Cook the noodles in salted boiling water until al dente. Once your pasta is cooked all the way through with a slight chew, drain and rinse immediately under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Planning the best summer menu? This dill pickle pasta salad pairs well with burgers, grilled salmon, BBQ ribs, pulled pork, and chicken tenders!
- You can store your leftover dill pickle salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
PIN FOR LATER!
