Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is the perfect make-ahead side dish, packed with zesty, creamy, and crunchy goodness. It’ll be the star of the show!
Ingredients
- 1 box 16 ounces rotini pasta
- 4 tablespoons pickle juice from the jar
- 1 cup sliced dill pickles
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill or 1 tablespoon dried dill
- 1/4 cup pickle juice from the jar
- Salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Rinse under cold water and drain well.
- Marinate the Pasta: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and 4 tablespoons of pickle juice. Let sit for 10 minutes to absorb flavor.
- Add the Vegetables: Stir in the diced pickles, red onion, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese until well combined. Set aside.
- Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, fresh or dried dill, pickle juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Combine & Chill: Pour the dressing into the pasta salad and mix until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with additional chopped fresh dill before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Flavor Boost: Allowing the cooked pasta to marinate in pickle juice enhances the pickle flavor and gives the salad a more pronounced tang.
Creamy Variations: For a creamier pasta salad, add extra mayonnaise. For a lighter version, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. For a richer dressing, swap half of the mayonnaise for sour cream.
Customizations: Feel free to add cucumbers, olives, or crispy bacon for extra texture and flavor.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. For the freshest taste, enjoy within the first two days.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 463cal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 1038mg | Sugar: 22g | Fiber: 2g | Calcium: 149mg | Iron: 3mg