Name: Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound elbow macaroni or small pasta; 1 1/2 cups chopped dill pickles; 2 cups cubed cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup diced red onion; 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill; 3/4 cup pickle juice (divided); 1 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper, to taste

Why You’ll Love Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe

Bright and tangy flavor from dill pickles and pickle juice
Creamy, satisfying texture with a herby dressing
Perfect make‑ahead dish for gatherings or meal prep
Easy to customize with your favorite mix‑ins like cheese or veggies

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

16 oz rotini pasta, cooked and cooled
2 cups dill pickles, chopped
8 oz cheddar cheese, mild, diced or shredded
2 tbsp fresh dill
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tbsp pickle juice (plus extra to taste)

Directions

Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the noodles.
Mix the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped dill pickles, cheddar cheese, and fresh dill.
Make the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and pickle juice until smooth and creamy.
Combine: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until everything is well coated.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to a few hours) to let the flavors meld.

Servings and timing

Servings: About 8 servings
Prep time: ~15 minutes
Chill time: ~30 minutes to 1 hour

Variations

Use pasta shells or bowtie pasta instead of rotini.
Add diced red onion, cucumber, or bell pepper for crunch.
Mix in crumbled bacon for a smoky twist.
Try using dill pickle relish for a more uniform pickle texture.
Add grilled chicken or chickpeas to turn it into a full meal.
Swap cheddar for mozzarella, Colby Jack, or pepper jack.
Add chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra richness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating: This salad is best served cold — there’s no need to reheat. Just give it a stir before serving.
Tips: If the salad looks a bit dry after chilling, add a splash of extra pickle juice or a spoonful of mayo and toss before serving.

FAQs

What type of pasta works best?

Short, sturdy pasta shapes like rotini or shells hold the creamy dressing and mix‑ins well, making them ideal for pasta salads.

Can I make this gluten‑free?

Yes — simply swap in your favorite gluten‑free pasta and prepare as directed.

Is it possible to make this dairy‑free?

You can use dairy‑free mayonnaise and a dairy‑free sour cream alternative, then add a dairy‑free cheese if you like.

How far ahead can I prepare this salad?

You can make it up to a day in advance. Just keep it chilled in the fridge and stir again before serving.

Does the pasta get soggy if stored?

It can absorb some dressing over time. To prevent dryness, reserve a little dressing and add it just before serving.

Can I add other ingredients?

Yes! Try diced cucumbers, red onion, bell peppers, or even cooked bacon for extra flavor.

Can I use dill pickle relish instead of chopped pickles?

Yes — relish will add more pickle flavor and a slightly different texture.

How tangy should the dressing be?

Adjust the pickle juice amount to your preference; more juice will increase the tanginess.

Why does the pasta need to cool before dressing?

Chilling prevents the dressing from becoming runny and helps the flavors cling better to the pasta.

Can I serve this as a main dish?

Absolutely — increase the pasta and add protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it more substantial.

Conclusion

This Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is a flavorful crowd‑pleaser that’s both easy to make and fun to customize. Its creamy dressing and bright pickle flavor make it a standout side for barbecues, potlucks, or simple dinners. With options for variations and simple make‑ahead storage, it’s a recipe worth keeping in your meal rotation.