Save A vibrant, tangy pasta salad bursting with crunchy dill pickles, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, herbaceous dressing—perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a refreshing side dish.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 300 g (10 oz) short pasta (such as rotini, fusilli, or shells)
- Vegetables: 1 cup dill pickles, chopped (about 4 large pickles), 1 cup celery, finely diced (2 stalks), 1 cup red bell pepper, diced (1 medium), 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- Cheese: 3/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese, diced or shredded
- Dressing: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 tbsp pickle juice (from the jar), 2 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill), 1/2 tsp garlic powder, Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Garnish (optional): Additional chopped dill, Sliced pickles
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al denté. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Step 2:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped dill pickles, celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and cheddar cheese.
- Step 3:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, Dijon mustard, dill, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Step 4:
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss well to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Step 5:
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Step 6:
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Step 7:
- Garnish with extra dill and sliced pickles if desired.
Save Required Tools
Large pot, Colander, Large mixing bowl, Whisk, Chefs knife, Cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise—may contain eggs). Contains eggs (mayonnaise). Gluten (from pasta). For gluten-free: use gluten-free pasta. For egg-free: use eggless mayonnaise. Always check labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 340, Total Fat: 20 g, Carbohydrates: 30 g, Protein: 9 g
Save This pasta salad is a perfect refreshing side and can be easily customized to your taste.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of pasta works best for this salad?
Short pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or shells hold the dressing well and provide the desired texture.
- → Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, substitute plant-based mayo, sour cream, and cheese alternatives to keep it vegan-friendly.
- → How should I store this dish?
Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. It’s best served well-chilled to enhance flavors and texture.
- → What is the purpose of pickle juice in the dressing?
Pickle juice adds tanginess and depth, balancing the creamy elements with a sharp, vibrant flavor.
- → Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely. Chopped cucumber or additional fresh herbs can enhance crunch and freshness.