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Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

creamy dill pickle pasta salad - featured image
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A quick and easy tangy pasta salad featuring creamy dressing blended with dill pickles for a refreshing and unexpected flavor. Perfect for potlucks, summer gatherings, or a simple side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni or small shells
  • 1 cup finely chopped dill pickles
  • 2 tablespoons pickle juice
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt as a lighter option)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup celery, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional add-ins: hard-boiled eggs, chopped ham, shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7–8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Set aside to drain thoroughly.
  3. While pasta cooks, finely chop about 1 cup of dill pickles. For a smoother dressing, pulse pickles in a food processor until finely minced but not mushy. Reserve 2 tablespoons of pickle juice.
  4. Dice 1/4 cup red onion and 1/2 cup celery. Soak onion in cold water for 10 minutes if you want to tone down sharpness, then drain well.
  5. In a medium bowl, combine 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons pickle juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until smooth.
  6. Stir in the chopped or minced pickles and 2 tablespoons fresh dill. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Add the cooled pasta, diced onion, and celery to the dressing bowl. Gently fold ingredients together until evenly coated, avoiding overmixing.
  8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld and chill thoroughly.
  9. Before serving, gently stir the salad. Adjust salt, pepper, or dill if needed. Optionally garnish with extra fresh dill or pickle slices.

Notes

Use firm, crunchy dill pickles for best texture and flavor. Rinsing pasta under cold water stops cooking and prevents sogginess. Chill salad for at least 1 hour for best flavor. Adjust seasoning after chilling. Optional add-ins like hard-boiled eggs or ham add protein and heartiness. For vegan or dairy-free versions, use vegan mayo and dairy-free sour cream alternatives. Avoid freezing as creamy dressing and veggies do not freeze well.

Nutrition

Keywords: dill pickle pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, tangy pasta salad, easy pasta salad, summer salad, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/creamy-dill-pickle-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-tangy-pasta-salad-ideas/