If you’re hunting for a pasta salad that bursts with tangy, creamy, and fresh flavors all at once, you’ve got to try this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe. It’s the kind of summer side dish or picnic star that surprises you with its bold, zesty punch from dill pickles paired with the comforting creaminess of mayo and sour cream. Every forkful delivers delightful textures from tender pasta, crunchy pickles, and melty cheese, making this salad an instant crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s potluck season or you just want to jazz up your lunch, this recipe brings a lively twist to classic pasta salad with an addictive dill pickle personality.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients come together to create the magic in this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe. Each ingredient contributes something special, from the pasta’s chewy base to the sharp tang of dill pickle juice that wakes up the whole dish.
- 1 lb dry shell pasta: Perfect shape to hold onto all that creamy dressing and add satisfying chew.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: The creamy, rich foundation that binds the salad together beautifully.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and silky smoothness to the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Gives a hint of sharpness and depth to the flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon McCormick’s Salad Supreme seasoning: Brings a balanced blend of herbs and spices for savory complexity.
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper: Just enough gentle heat to keep things interesting.
- 1/2 cup dill pickle juice: The soul of this recipe, infusing that unmistakable tang and dill goodness throughout the salad.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill weed: Fresh herbaceous note that brightens the entire dish.
- 2 cups shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese: Melts slightly into the salad for creamy, savory richness.
- 2 cups sliced dill pickles: The crunchy, tangy stars that bring texture and punch with every bite.
How to Make Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling your shell pasta in salted water until it’s al dente, tender but still with a bit of bite to hold up well in the salad. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta completely. This step is important to keep your salad from becoming mushy.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, McCormick’s Salad Supreme seasoning, black pepper, and dill pickle juice until smooth and creamy. This dressing is the heart of your Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe, so make sure it’s well combined and flavorful.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Dressing
Add the cooled pasta to the dressing and gently toss to coat each shell evenly. The pasta should be fully coated so the tangy pickle dressing flavors every bite.
Step 4: Add the Cheese and Pickles
Fold in the shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese along with the sliced dill pickles. These add-ins create amazing texture contrasts—melty cheese softness against the crisp, flavorful pickles—making every forkful a party of flavors and sensations.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Dill
Stir in the fresh chopped dill weed to give the salad its signature fresh aroma and elevate the dill notes throughout. Fresh dill is a must to brighten up the salad and balance the richness of the dressing.
Step 6: Chill Before Serving
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This resting time lets all the flavors marry beautifully and the pasta soak up the delicious, tangy dressing for the best flavor experience.
How to Serve Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an eye-catching presentation, sprinkle extra fresh dill and a few thin pickle slices on top right before serving. This adds a pop of green and a hint of crunchy texture that invites everyone to dig in.
Side Dishes
This Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe shines as a side for grilled meats like chicken, pork, or burgers. It also pairs wonderfully with BBQ dishes or can add a refreshing contrast to spicy foods, rounding out your meal with creamy, tangy balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this pasta salad in hollowed-out mini bell peppers or cucumber boats for a fun party appetizer twist. It can also be layered in clear jars for picnic-friendly portions that show off the colorful ingredients.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to continue melding and sometimes even tasting better after a day or two.
Freezing
Because of the mayonnaise and sour cream, freezing this salad is not recommended. The texture and creaminess can break down upon thawing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer, you can let it sit out for 15-20 minutes to take the chill off before serving, but avoid heating as it will alter the texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! While shell pasta is great for holding the dressing and add-ins, you can use rotini, elbow macaroni, or bow ties depending on what you have on hand. Just choose something that has a good shape to trap the dressing.
Is this salad suitable for making ahead of time?
Yes, it actually benefits from making ahead because chilling allows the flavors to really develop. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated and stir gently before serving.
Can I substitute regular pickles for dill pickles in the recipe?
Dill pickles provide a characteristic tang and herbal note that’s key to this recipe. Using sweet or bread-and-butter pickles will change the flavor profile and sweetness, so stick to dill pickles for the classic taste.
What if I don’t have fresh dill weed available?
You can substitute with dried dill but reduce the amount to about one teaspoon since dried herbs are more concentrated. Fresh dill adds brightness that really elevates the salad, so it’s worth seeking out if possible.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
To make a vegan version, use vegan mayonnaise and sour cream alternatives, and swap the cheese for a plant-based shredded cheese. The dill pickle juice and pickles are naturally vegan, so the flavor will still shine!
Final Thoughts
This Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe is such a fun, flavorful take on pasta salad that you’ll want to make it again and again. Its creamy, tangy, and fresh qualities come together in perfect harmony, making it a versatile side for any occasion. Give it a try and get ready to wow your friends and family with a dish that’s as memorable as it is delicious!
Print
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is a tangy, creamy salad perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a refreshing side dish. Featuring shell pasta tossed in a zesty dill pickle dressing with shredded cheese and sliced pickles, it combines bold flavors with a satisfying texture. The unique use of dill pickle juice in the dressing adds a bright, savory punch that complements the rich mayonnaise and sour cream base.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 1 lb dry shell pasta
Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon McCormick’s Salad Supreme seasoning
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup dill pickle juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill weed
Add-ins:
- 2 cups shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 cups sliced dill pickles
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dry shell pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process.
- Prepare Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, McCormick’s Salad Supreme seasoning, black pepper, dill pickle juice, and chopped fresh dill until well combined and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese, and sliced dill pickles. Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently stir until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together. Before serving, give the salad a good stir and garnish with extra fresh dill if desired.
Notes
- Use shell pasta or any small pasta shape that holds dressing well.
- For extra tang, adjust the amount of dill pickle juice to taste.
- Make sure to chill the salad well before serving for best flavor.
- This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Add chopped red onion or celery for more crunch if desired.
