Save A vibrant, tangy pasta salad bursting with crunchy dill pickles, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, herbaceous dressing—perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a refreshing side dish.
This pasta salad has become a staple at my family gatherings, loved for its crunchy texture and fresh taste.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 300 g (10 oz) short pasta (such as rotini, fusilli, or shells)
- Vegetables: 1 cup dill pickles, chopped (about 4 large pickles), 1 cup celery, finely diced (2 stalks), 1 cup red bell pepper, diced (1 medium), 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- Cheese: 3/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese, diced or shredded
- Dressing: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 tbsp pickle juice (from the jar), 2 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill), 1/2 tsp garlic powder, salt and black pepper to taste
- Garnish (optional): Additional chopped dill, sliced pickles
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Step 2:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped dill pickles, celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and cheddar cheese.
- Step 3:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, Dijon mustard, dill, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Step 4:
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss well to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Step 5:
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Step 6:
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Step 7:
- Garnish with extra dill and sliced pickles if desired.
Save This salad reminds me of warm summer days spent picnicking with family and friends.
Required Tools
Large pot, Colander, Large mixing bowl, Whisk, Chefs knife, Cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise may contain eggs). Contains eggs (mayonnaise). Gluten from pasta. For gluten-free use gluten-free pasta. For egg-free use eggless mayonnaise.
Nutritional Information
Calories 340, Total Fat 20 g, Carbohydrates 30 g, Protein 9 g per serving
Save This Dill Pickle Chopped Pasta Salad is a refreshing and easy dish the whole family will enjoy.
Cooking Questions
- → Can I use gluten-free pasta for this dish?
Yes, gluten-free pasta can be substituted to accommodate dietary needs without affecting the flavor or texture significantly.
- → How long should the salad chill before serving?
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to combine and the salad to cool thoroughly.
- → What types of pasta work best here?
Short pasta varieties like rotini, fusilli, or shells are ideal as they hold the dressing and mix-ins well.
- → Can I make a vegan version of this dish?
Yes, replace traditional mayonnaise, sour cream, and cheese with plant-based alternatives to keep it vegan-friendly.
- → What can I add for extra crunch?
Consider adding chopped cucumber or extra dill pickles for enhanced texture and freshness.
- → Is it possible to adjust the tanginess?
Adjust the amount of pickle juice and fresh dill in the dressing to control the level of tanginess to your preference.