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The Best Dill Pickle Pasta Salad: Creamy, Tangy Summer Side Dish

A close-up of creamy pickle pasta salad in a white bowl, garnished generously with fresh dill.
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Make this creamy, tangy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad for your next BBQ or potluck. It combines tender pasta, crunchy dill pickles, and sharp cheddar in a zesty dressing. This recipe is quick to prepare and tastes better when made ahead.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni pasta
  • 1 cup dill pickle relish (or finely chopped dill pickles)
  • 1 cup chopped dill pickles (for extra crunch)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup pickle juice (from the dill pickle jar)
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
  2. While the pasta cools, prepare the creamy dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, pickle juice, yellow mustard, white vinegar, sugar, black pepper, and salt until smooth.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped dill pickles, dill pickle relish, cubed cheddar cheese, and diced red onion.
  4. Pour the dressing over the pasta and mix gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  5. Stir in the fresh chopped dill.
  6. Cover the bowl and chill the Dill Pickle Pasta Salad in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to merge.
  7. Taste before serving and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Serve cold as a refreshing summer side dish.

Notes

  • Making this creamy pasta salad ahead of time improves the flavor as the pasta absorbs the tangy dressing.
  • For a heartier side dish, add 1 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon when mixing the salad.
  • If you prefer a less sharp flavor, use white cheddar cheese instead of sharp cheddar.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameal.com/pickle-pasta-salad-recipe-quick-tangy-side/