Save A tangy, creamy pasta salad bursting with dill pickles, cheddar, and fresh herbs perfect for picnics and potlucks.
I love serving this salad at summer picnics where it always becomes a crowd favorite thanks to its vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) budget rotini pasta, Salt for boiling water
- Vegetables & Pickles: 1 1/2 cups (225 g) dill pickles diced, 1/2 cup (60 g) red onion finely diced, 2/3 cup (90 g) celery diced, 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh dill chopped
- Cheese: 1 cup (115 g) sharp cheddar cheese cubed or shredded
- Dressing: 3/4 cup (180 ml) mayonnaise, 1/4 cup (60 ml) sour cream, 2 tbsp (30 ml) dill pickle juice, 1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp salt or to taste
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil Cook rotini according to package instructions until al dente Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl combine the cooled pasta diced pickles red onion celery cheddar cheese and fresh dill
- Step 3:
- In a separate bowl whisk together mayonnaise sour cream pickle juice Dijon mustard garlic powder black pepper and salt until smooth
- Step 4:
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated
- Step 5:
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld
- Step 6:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving Garnish with extra dill if desired
Save This salad always brings back fond memories of family picnics where everyone asks for seconds.
Required Tools
Large pot Colander Large mixing bowl Whisk Cutting board & knife
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (cheddar cheese sour cream mayonnaise), Eggs (mayonnaise possibly in pasta) May contain gluten (rotini pasta) use gluten-free pasta if needed Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens
Nutritional Information
Calories 350 Total Fat 21 g Carbohydrates 31 g Protein 9 g per serving
Save This dill pickle pasta salad is a refreshing and easy addition to any meal or gathering.
Recipe FAQs
- → How should I prepare the pasta for best texture?
Cook the rotini in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta before mixing.
- → Can I substitute the sour cream in the dressing?
Yes, Greek yogurt works well as a lighter substitute without compromising creaminess.
- → How long should the salad chill before serving?
Refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to blend and develop fully.
- → What additions can enhance the protein content?
Cooked bacon or sliced hard-boiled eggs add extra protein and depth of flavor.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Use gluten-free rotini pasta to make the dish gluten-free while maintaining its texture and taste.
- → How can I intensify the pickle flavor?
Add extra pickle juice or additional chopped dill pickles to brighten the tangy notes.