Description
Summer’s zesty dill pickle pasta salad combines tangy pickles, creamy dressing, and fresh herbs for a crowd-pleasing side dish. Cool pasta and crisp ingredients make refreshing companions for backyard gatherings where friends gather to enjoy simple, delicious flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) rotini or elbow pasta
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 cup dill pickles, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- ½ cup diced red onion
- ½ cup diced celery
- 2 tbsps dill pickle juice
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried dill (or 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse with cold water to halt cooking process, then allow to cool completely.
- Dressing Creation: Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and dill. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting pickle juice for desired tanginess.
- Mixing Medley: In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with diced pickles, red onion, celery, and cheddar cheese. Pour prepared dressing over ingredients and toss until evenly coated, ensuring every component is generously dressed.
- Flavor Marination: Refrigerate pasta salad for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld and intensify. Before serving, taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with fresh dill sprigs for a vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Optimize Pasta Texture: Cook pasta exactly al dente to prevent mushiness, ensuring it maintains a firm bite when mixed with creamy dressing.
- Balance Pickle Intensity: Adjust pickle juice quantity carefully – too much can overpower the salad, while too little reduces the signature tangy flavor.
- Chill for Maximum Flavor: Allowing the salad to rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour lets ingredients meld, dramatically enhancing overall taste profile.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or vegan alternatives to accommodate different dietary restrictions while maintaining creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg