Can I put pickles in pasta salad?

Absolutely! Dill pickles add a bold, tangy crunch that transforms a simple pasta salad into something unforgettable. In dill pickle pasta salad, they’re the main flavor star.

What are the five mistakes to avoid in pasta salad?

Avoid these common mistakes: overcooking the pasta, not chilling it, underseasoning the dressing, forgetting to add pickle juice, and using too much mayo. These can throw off flavor and texture.

How to make a dill pickle salad?

To make a dill pickle pasta salad, cook and cool pasta, then mix with chopped pickles, cheddar, onions, and a creamy dill dressing made with mayo, sour cream, and pickle juice.

What pairs well with dill pickles?

Dill pickles pair well with grilled meats, BBQ ribs, fried chicken, and burgers. They also go great with lighter sides like fruit salad, chips, or veggie trays.

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe | Creamy & Tangy Side Dish 2025

Description

This dill pickle pasta salad is creamy, crunchy, and bursting with bold pickle flavor! A perfect side dish for BBQs, potlucks, or easy lunches. With tangy dill pickles, sharp cheddar cheese, and a zesty mayo-sour cream dressing, it’s a flavorful twist on a classic summer salad.

Ingredients

½ pound medium shell pasta (about 3 cups)
¾ cup sliced dill pickles (baby dills preferred)
⅔ cup diced sharp cheddar cheese
3 tablespoons minced white onion
2 tablespoons fresh chopped dill
½ cup pickle juice (for soaking pasta)

For the Dressing:

⅔ cup mayonnaise
⅓ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
4 tablespoons dill pickle juice
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
Soak pasta in pickle juice: Place the cooled pasta in a bowl and pour in ½ cup pickle juice. Let it soak for 5–10 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pasta, sliced pickles, cheddar cheese, onion, and fresh dill.
Add the dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
Chill & serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to blend.

Notes

For extra crunch, add celery or chopped sweet pickles.
Want it spicier? Mix in a few dashes of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños.
Can be made a day ahead—flavors deepen overnight.

Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter option.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Bake / Chilled Salad
Cuisine: American