Tangy Dill Pickle and Cheddar Pasta Salad

Name: Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound rotini pasta.; 8 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese, cubed.; 2 cups diced dill pickles, plus extra for topping.; 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped, plus extra for topping.; 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped, plus extra for topping.; 3/4 cup mayonnaise.; 1/2 cup sour cream.; 2/3 cup pickle juice.; 1/2 white onion, minced.; 2 cloves garlic, minced.; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

Featured in Refreshing Salads.

This unique pasta salad combines the tangy kick of dill pickles with creamy dressing, sharp cheddar, and fresh herbs. Perfect for pickle lovers!

By Norah Momoria

Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 13:27:04 GMT

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A close-up of a creamy pasta salad with spiral noodles, pickles, and orange slices, garnished with fresh dill. | recipesim.com

A Zesty Twist on Pasta Salad

My Dill Pickle Pasta Salad started as an experiment and became an instant family favorite. The spirals of tender rotini catch every bit of the tangy creamy dressing while chunks of sharp white cheddar and crunchy dill pickles create the perfect bite. After an hour in the fridge all those bold flavors come together making it the most requested dish at our summer gatherings.

Fresh and Different

This isn't your typical pasta salad. The combination of tangy pickles creamy dressing and tender pasta creates something unique and crave worthy. It's become my go-to for potlucks barbecues and family dinners because it's so easy to make ahead and always gets rave reviews.

What You'll Need

Would you like me to share the ingredient list for both the salad and its creamy dressing?

A close-up of a creamy pasta salad topped with diced pickles, yellow bell pepper, and fresh dill. | recipesim.com

Creating the Dressing

I can walk you through my method for making the perfect tangy creamy dressing that brings everything together.

Bringing It All Together

Let me share how to combine everything and the crucial chilling time that lets all those flavors develop.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead of time?: Yes, make up to 24 hours ahead. Add extra pickle juice before serving to refresh the flavors.
→ Why add pickle juice to the dressing?: Pickle juice adds extra tang and helps thin the dressing while boosting pickle flavor.
→ Can I use different pasta shapes?: Any medium pasta works - try fusilli, penne, or bow ties. Choose shapes that catch the dressing.
→ How long will this keep?: Stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days. May need extra dressing when serving leftovers.
→ Can I use pre-shredded cheese?: Fresh-cubed cheese works best for texture. Pre-shredded can be dry and doesn't blend as well.