Description
Homemade dill pickle pasta salad delivers a tangy twist on classic summer sides. Creamy dressing, crisp pickles, and fresh herbs combine for a crowd-pleasing dish you’ll crave at picnics and potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (453 grams) dry rotini pasta
- 2 cups diced dill pickles (plus extra for topping)
- 8 ounces (226 grams) sharp white cheddar cheese, cubed
Dairy and Creamy Components:
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (plus extra for topping)
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
- 2/3 cup pickle juice (from the pickle jar)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 white onion, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until tender, ensuring it reaches al dente consistency. Drain thoroughly and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with cheese cubes, finely diced dill pickles, freshly chopped dill, and minced chives.
- Create a creamy dressing by whisking mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, minced onion, crushed garlic, salt, and black pepper until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.
- Gently fold the prepared dressing into the pasta mixture, ensuring each ingredient is evenly coated and distributed throughout the salad.
- Refrigerate the pasta salad for a minimum of 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. This chilling period helps develop a more robust taste profile.
- Before serving, optionally drizzle additional pickle juice for enhanced tanginess. Garnish with extra pickle chunks, sprinkle of fresh dill, and a scattering of chives to elevate the visual appeal and flavor complexity.
Notes
- Swap regular pasta with gluten-free or whole wheat options for dietary preferences without losing the tangy pickle flavor.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and sour cream to reduce calories and add protein while maintaining creamy texture.
- Pickle juice can be adjusted based on personal taste – start with less and gradually add more for desired tanginess.
- Consider adding crispy bacon bits or diced ham for extra protein and a smoky flavor dimension to the salad.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg