Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is the unexpected hero your summer potlucks and weeknight dinners have been waiting for. This creamy, tangy pasta salad combines the beloved zip of dill pickles with a creamy dressing that coats every spiral of pasta to perfection.
I created this recipe after noticing how my family would fight over the last pickle in the jar, and thought—why not bring that same excitement to a hearty side dish? The result is a crowd-pleasing pasta salad that disappears faster than you can say “seconds, please!”
Why You’ll Love This
- Ready in just 45 minutes, with most of that time being hands-off pasta cooling
- Perfect make-ahead dish that actually tastes better the next day
- Creamy texture with satisfying crunch from pickles and fresh vegetables
- Kid-friendly flavor that still feels sophisticated enough for adults
- Versatile enough to serve as a side dish or light main course
Ingredients
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
- 8-ounce block medium cheddar cheese, diced
- 2 cups dill pickles, diced
- 1 packet ranch dressing seasoning mix
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup pickle juice
- ½ cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
Instructions
- Cook rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and immediately rinse under cold water, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooled completely to room temperature. This prevents the pasta from getting mushy.
- Add the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl and set aside while you prepare the dressing.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, and ranch dressing seasoning until smooth and well combined. The pickle juice adds that signature tangy flavor!
- Add the diced pickles, diced cheddar cheese, and chopped bacon to the bowl with the pasta. Pour the ranch dressing mixture over everything.
- Sprinkle the dried dill weed over the salad, then gently toss everything together until the pasta and ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 4-6 hours before serving. This chilling time allows all the flavors to meld together and makes the salad taste even better.
- Give the salad a quick stir before serving, as the dressing may settle. Serve chilled as a side dish or light meal.
Tips & Variations
- For extra tang, add an additional tablespoon of pickle juice to the dressing.
- Try different pasta shapes like bowties or shells – they catch the dressing in different ways!
- Add diced hard-boiled eggs for extra protein and richness.
- Substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Add a diced bell pepper or celery for extra crunch and color.
- For a spicy kick, mix in a few tablespoons of chopped pickled jalapeños.
Serving Suggestions
This dill pickle pasta salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, especially hamburgers and hot dogs at summer cookouts. For a complete meal, serve alongside rotisserie chicken and a simple green salad.
If you’re taking this to a potluck, consider serving it in a hollowed-out pickle jar for a fun presentation that hints at the flavors inside!
Notes
- Pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If the salad seems dry after refrigeration, stir in a splash of pickle juice or a tablespoon of mayo to refresh it.
- For best flavor, allow the salad to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving if it’s been refrigerated overnight.
FAQs
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld in the refrigerator overnight.
What type of pickles work best in this recipe?
Dill pickles provide the classic flavor, but bread and butter or sweet pickles can create an interesting sweet-tangy variation.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use your favorite plant-based mayo and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
My pasta salad seems a bit dry the next day. How can I fix it?
Pasta tends to absorb dressing as it sits. Simply stir in a bit more mayo, sour cream, or pickle juice until you reach your desired consistency.
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