Simple Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Simple Dill Pickle Pasta Salad brings a refreshing twist to your usual pasta dishes with tangy pickles and creamy dressing. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, it’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light meal any time of year.
Ingredients
- 1 box (16 oz) rotini noodles
- 2 cups chopped small dill pickles
- 8 oz colby jack cheese, diced
- 1 small white onion, minced
- 1/3 cup brine from dill pickles
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup dill pickle liquid
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried dill)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Mise en Place. Dice the colby jack cheese into 1/4-inch cubes and place in a bowl. Mince the white onion finely into about 1/4-inch pieces. Chop the dill pickles into roughly 1/2-inch pieces. Measure out the fresh dill or have dried dill ready. Set all prepped ingredients within reach.
- Step 2: Cook and Brine the Pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly with cool water to stop cooking. While still warm, transfer noodles to a large bowl and stir in 1/3 cup dill pickle brine to infuse flavor as the pasta cools.
- Step 3: Make the Creamy Dressing. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and 1/3 cup pickle liquid until smooth. Add chopped dill, salt, and black pepper, mixing until evenly combined.
- Step 4: Combine All Components. Drain any excess liquid from the pasta if needed. Add the chopped pickles, diced cheese, and minced onion to the pasta bowl and toss gently. Pour the dressing over the mixture and fold until everything is well coated.
- Step 5: Chill and Serve. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours to allow flavors to meld. This salad tastes even better the next day.
Tips & Variations
- Use full-fat sour cream for a richer, creamier dressing.
- For extra tang, add a little extra pickle brine to the dressing.
- Swap colby jack cheese with cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor.
- Add chopped fresh veggies like bell peppers or celery for crunch.
Storage
Store the pasta salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, stir gently to redistribute the dressing. The salad can be served chilled or at room temperature. Avoid freezing as the texture may change.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this salad?
Yes, any short pasta like rotini, fusilli, or penne works well to hold the dressing and mix-in ingredients.
Is it necessary to use pickle brine in the pasta salad?
Using pickle brine adds a unique tangy flavor that enhances the salad, but you can substitute with a little vinegar and water if needed.
PrintSimple Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe
This Simple Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is a tangy and creamy side dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a refreshing summer meal. Featuring rotini pasta tossed with chopped dill pickles, creamy mayonnaise and sour cream dressing infused with pickle brine, and flavorful dill, this salad combines crunchy textures with zesty flavors for a delightful bite every time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pasta and Pickles
- 1 box (16 oz) rotini noodles
- 2 cups chopped small dill pickles (about 1/2-inch pieces)
- 1/3 cup brine from dill pickles
Dressing and Mix-Ins
- 8 oz colby jack cheese, diced into 1/4-inch cubes
- 1 small white onion, minced into 1/4-inch pieces
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream
- 1/3 cup dill pickle liquid (additional brine)
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried dill)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Mise en Place: Dice the colby jack cheese into 1/4-inch cubes and place them in a bowl. Mince the white onion very finely to about 1/4-inch pieces. Chop the dill pickles into roughly 1/2-inch pieces. Measure out and chop fresh dill or have dried dill ready. Arranging all prepped ingredients within reach ensures an efficient cooking process.
- Cook and Brine the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain the noodles in a colander and rinse briefly with cool water to stop cooking. While still warm, transfer noodles to a large bowl and immediately stir in 1/3 cup dill pickle brine. This allows the pasta to absorb tangy flavors as it cools.
- Make the Creamy Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and 1/3 cup pickle liquid until smooth. Add the chopped fresh dill (or dried dill), salt, and black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are evenly combined. Using full-fat sour cream enhances creaminess and texture.
- Combine All Components: If any excess liquid has pooled at the bottom of the pasta bowl, drain it off. Add the chopped pickles, diced cheese, and minced onion to the brined pasta. Toss gently to combine. Pour the creamy dressing over the top and fold everything together, ensuring the salad is evenly coated without any dry spots.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld. The salad can also be made a day in advance, which enhances its tangy flavor and creaminess. Serve chilled for best taste.
Notes
- Use full-fat sour cream for the best creamy texture and flavor.
- For stronger dill flavor, consider increasing fresh dill to 3 tablespoons or using a combination of fresh and dried dill.
- Drain any excess liquid from the salad before serving to prevent it from becoming watery.
- This salad is best served chilled and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- If you prefer a tangier salad, add an extra tablespoon of dill pickle brine to dressing or pasta.
Keywords: dill pickle pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, rotini salad, picnic salad, summer salad, dill dressing pasta
