Dill Pickle Pasta Salad gives traditional pasta salad an upgrade by adding crunchy pickles, fresh dill, and tangy pickle juice!
If you’re looking for a new way to make pasta salad, then this dill pickle version is definitely worth trying. Not only is my Dill Pickle Pasta Salad recipe quick and easy to put together, the flavors are simply delicious. (Who doesn’t love pickles?! Or Fried Pickles!) Plus, it’s perfect for potlucks and summer BBQs—you’ll never want to make traditional pasta salad again!
Easy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe
Let me tell you, this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is one of those dishes that always disappears fast. Why is it so impossible to resist? What makes the dill pickles and creamy dressing work so well together?! I’m not sure I know, but I’m definitely not complaining!
If you’ve never had Dill Pickle Pasta Salad before, you’re in for a real treat! This dish is packed with flavor and just the right amount of crunch from the pickles. The herbaceous kick of fresh dill is the perfect finishing touch, so be sure to use fresh, not dried—you won’t regret it!
(Love a good pasta salad? Try my Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad next!)
Ingredients
See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
- Dry pasta – I usually use rotini.
- Mayonnaise
- Pickle juice
- Fresh dill – Fresh dill is much more flavorful than dried dill, so I highly recommend using fresh. Alternatively, if you buy pickles that have a large sprig of dill in the jar, you can use that instead.
- Dill pickles
- Cheddar cheese – Cut this into cubes.
- Salt
- Pepper
How to Make Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
1. Cook the Pasta
Cook the pasta to al dente, according to the package instructions. Once it is done, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water.
2. Make the Pasta Salad Dressing
Whisk together the mayonnaise, pickle juice, and dill together in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Assemble
Add the pasta to the dressing and stir to coat, then fold in the pickles and cheese.
4. Chill
Refrigerate the pasta salad for 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
How to Store Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to serve the salad, give it a good stir to distribute the dressing evenly. If necessary, you can add a little more dressing or olive oil to moisten the pasta before serving.
FAQ
How do I make pasta salad taste better?
If your standard pasta salad recipe is a little bit boring, this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad won’t let you down! The pickle juice adds a bright, tangy flavor, and the dill ups the freshness. The pieces of pickles also help make this the most flavorful pasta salad you’ll ever have!
What goes well with a pasta salad?
I think pasta salad is made for cookouts! I always think of barbecue food when I think of pasta salad, like Easy Grilled BBQ Chicken and an All-American Burger. If you’re making a bunch of cold salads for a picnic or outdoor gathering, consider adding Pea Salad, Broccoli Salad, and Ambrosia Salad to your menu.
Do you rinse pasta in cold water for pasta salad?
Yes, by rinsing the pasta in cold water, you’ll stop it from cooking. No one wants mushy, over-cooked pasta in their pasta salad!
More Crowd-Pleasing Salads
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 lb dry pasta
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup pickle juice
- ¼ cup fresh dill chopped
- 2 cups dill pickles chopped
- ⅔ cups cheddar cheese cubed
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package. Once the pasta is al dente, drain and run under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Combine the mayonnaise, pickle juice, and dill and whisk to combine to make the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooled pasta to the dressing and stir to coat. Fold in the pickles and cheese.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
