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 dente. 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 
Save Tastes best well chilled. Can be made 1 day ahead.
Recipe Questions
- → What pasta works best for this salad?
Short pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or shells hold the dressing well and provide a good texture contrast with the crunchy vegetables.
- → Can I prepare the salad ahead of time?
Yes, chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavors, and it can be stored for up to one day before serving.
- → What can I use to add extra crunch?
Adding chopped cucumber provides an extra refreshing crunch without overpowering the other flavors.
- → Is there a lighter alternative for the creamy dressing?
Substituting sour cream with Greek yogurt reduces fat while maintaining creaminess in the dressing.
- → How can this dish be made vegan friendly?
Use plant-based mayonnaise, sour cream, and cheese alternatives to keep the creamy texture while making it suitable for a vegan diet.