Description
This Dill Pickle Pasta Salad combines tangy baby dill pickles, sharp cheddar cheese, fresh onions, and a creamy dill-infused dressing for a refreshing and flavorful side dish perfect for picnics, barbecues, and potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Salad
- 16 ounce package rotini pasta
- 2 cups baby dill pickles sliced 1/8 inch thick
- 1½ cup diced sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup finely chopped sweet yellow onion (like Vidalia)
- ½ cup sliced green onion
- 4 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (divide 2 tablespoons for pasta and 2 tablespoons for dressing)
Dressing
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- ⅓ cup dill pickle juice
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chipotle powder
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a 6 to 7 quart pot of water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook uncovered until al dente, about 12 to 15 minutes.
- Drain and Cool: Drain the pasta in a colander and run cold water over it to stop the cooking process. Let it drain completely before transferring to a large bowl.
- Mix Pasta Salad: Stir in the sliced baby dill pickles, diced sharp cheddar cheese, finely chopped sweet yellow onion, sliced green onion, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill until well combined.
- Prepare Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, dill pickle juice, onion powder, remaining 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped dill, kosher salt, fresh cracked black pepper, and chipotle powder until smooth and fully combined.
- Combine and Chill: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and stir well until evenly coated. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Stir well before serving and add a splash of pickle juice or a spoonful of mayo or sour cream to refresh creaminess if needed.
- Ensure pasta is fully cooled before adding dressing to prevent sogginess.
- Use tangy, garlicky dill pickles instead of sweet pickles to maintain bold, savory flavor.
- Add chipotle powder gradually to control smoky heat level.
- Optional: Add crumbled cooked bacon for savory crunch.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or additional dill before serving for color and vibrancy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
