Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is the new, fun, fresh spin on a classic pasta salad recipe. It's bright and herby and tastes like a dill pickle. Perfect for summer, but good enough for any time of year, you've got to try it!
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If your in the mood for more super flavorful salads just like this, try my Italian Chopped Salad, Grinder Salad, or my classic Pasta Salad with a parmesan vinaigrette! All so easy and perfect for a crowd!
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I love, love a good pasta salad. The pasta and the sauce and all the lovely little add-ins are definitely my jam. However, this dill pickle pasta salad is by far my favorite. I am a fierce dressing critic and the one for this salad is amazing. The dressing comes together in just a few minutes. Cooked short pasta of your choice is tossed with chopped pickles, some crunchy veg, and bacon and cheese...because bacon and cheese make everything better.
Best eaten the next day so that the flavors can get nicey-nice, this dill pickle pasta salad can be served for so many occasions. It's a great meal prep lunch for the office - I just portion it out into mason jars. This recipe is amazing for all of those summer get-togethers with friends - never show up empty-handed and this is your solution. For dinner parties, for church potlucks, for an afternoon snack, you've got to try this recipe. It's soon to be a new favorite.
I am not entirely sure I can adequately put into words how good this recipe is. You'll just have to make it and find out for yourself!
Buy Now → Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use sweet pickles for this recipe?
You do you, BooBoo. While I am not a fan of a sweet pickle, if those are your jam, by all means use sweet. I am a huge proponent of making the recipes on my blog your own. You guys to play with them and try new things. Just let me know how they turn out! I love to hear from you all!
Do I serve this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad immediately or wait until the next day?
I think all pasta salads taste better the next day. However, it is good enough to eat right away. If you serve yours next day, take it out of the fridge just a few minutes to let the dressing warm up just a tad. It gets very thick in the fridge. Add a splash of pickle juice if needed to loosen it up.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free? Dairy-free?
All you have to do is use a GF pasta. That's it. For a dairy-free version, leave out the cheddar cheese and use your favorite DF sour cream. Just a couple of simple swaps and everyone can enjoy!
Variations and Substitutions
- Add any veggie or pickle type you like. Anything goes in the pasta salad realm and this one is no different! Sweet pickles, pepperoncini, or even pickled hot peppers would be fun additions to this dill pickle pasta salad! Also, anything crunchy
- Use any pasta shape you like. I do recommend a short pasta with grooves so that it is easier to eat and grabs ahold of that glorious dill pickle dressing.
- If you're not feeling pasta, you can toss the dressing with coleslaw mix or cooked cauliflower for a lower carb situation.
- Add roasted chicken, grilled steak, or cooked shrimp for a great protein bump!
- Make it spicy. Add pickled jalapeños to give this dill pickle pasta salad a kick!
- If you don't like dill, you can leave out the herbs and just use sweet pickles instead.
Tips and Tricks
- Cook the pasta in heavily salted water and do not rinse your pasta after draining.
- Toss pasta with a healthy splash of pickle juice after cooking and set aside to cool. The pickle juice will prevent the pasta from sticking, but also helps give the pasta even more wonderful pickle flavor.
- Make this dill pickle pasta salad ahead of serving time so that it can chill and the flavors can meld.
- Cut all of the pickles and veggies into similar, bite-sized pieces.
- If you feel like the pasta salad is too dry after hanging out in the fridge, simply add a splash of pickle juice to loosen up the sauce.
- Use any leftover dressing as a salad dressing or veggie dip.
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Dill Pickle Dressing
- ¾ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup pickle juice/brine
- ¼ cup dill pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon granulated onion
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
- kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
Pasta Salad
- 1 lb rotini pasta
- 2 cups dill pickles, diced
- 1 med red onion, finely diced
- 1 cup radishes, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, small cubes
- 6-8 pieces bacon, crispy and chopped
Instructions
Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions and drain.
- Toss with a healthy splash of pickle juice and set aside to cool.
Dill Pickle Dressing
- Mix all of the dressing ingredients together in a mixing bowl and set aside.
Pasta Salad
- Toss the cooled pasta, veggies, cheese, and bacon together until combined.
- Drizzle the dressing over the pasta salad. I start with about half. Add more if you would like. You probably would like. It's very, very good.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Storage Instructions
Leftover dill pickle pasta salad will stay good in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Never in the history of ever have I had it last that long. Once people get started on it, it rarely lasts. Don't freeze it.
If you guys make this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I absolutely love to hear from you all and always do my best to respond to each and every one of your comments!
Thank you!
I am so incredibly happy that you are here! I hope you try my Dill Pickle Pasta Salad recipe and fall in love with it. If you make this recipe, please share and tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok! And, please leave a comment or star rating below. I absolutely love seeing each and every one of your kitchen masterpieces. And, as always, if you ever have any questions about any of my recipes, please don't hesitate to contact me!
Happy Cooking!
-Rufus
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Estella Brimley says
This is now a weekly favorite. I add either chicken or steak. We have also added pickled peppers. So good. Great for parties and church lunch!
Rufus says
Thank you so very much, Estella! It means the world to me to hear from you. Have a wonderful day!
Elizabeth T says
love the pickle twist on pasta salad! my kids love it and it's so easy to make!
Rufus says
Thank you so much for letting me know!