Pin It A tangy, creamy pasta salad loaded with crunchy dill pickles, fresh herbs, and a zesty dressing. This budget-friendly comfort food is perfect for picnics and potlucks, using inexpensive rotini pasta for a satisfying bite.
This pasta salad has become a go-to for summer gatherings because of its unique tangy flavor and easy preparation.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) rotini pasta, uncooked
- Vegetables & Pickles: 1 1/2 cups (225 g) dill pickles, diced (plus 1/4 cup pickle juice reserved), 1 cup (150 g) celery, finely chopped, 1/2 cup (75 g) red onion, finely diced, 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh dill, chopped
- Dressing: 3/4 cup (180 g) mayonnaise, 1/4 cup (60 g) sour cream, 1/4 cup (60 ml) dill pickle juice (from pickles), 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, Salt, to taste
- Optional Add-ins: 1/2 cup (60 g) shredded cheddar cheese, 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool set aside.
- Step 2:
- In a large mixing bowl whisk together mayonnaise sour cream 1/4 cup dill pickle juice Dijon mustard garlic powder onion powder black pepper and a pinch of salt.
- Step 3:
- Add the cooled pasta diced pickles celery red onion and chopped dill to the bowl. Toss until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Step 4:
- If using gently fold in shredded cheddar cheese and chopped hard-boiled eggs.
- Step 5:
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
- Step 6:
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Garnish with extra dill or pickles if desired.
Pin It This dish always brings smiles when I make it for my family picnics.
Notes
For extra tang add a splash of apple cider vinegar. Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter version. Pairs well with grilled meats sandwiches or as a stand-alone lunch. For a vegan version use plant-based mayo and sour cream.
Required Tools
Large pot Colander Large mixing bowl Whisk Knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains eggs mayonnaise hard-boiled eggs and milk sour cream cheddar cheese. Contains gluten rotini pasta use gluten-free pasta if needed. Always check product labels for potential allergens.
Pin It This dill pickle pasta salad is the perfect blend of creamy and tangy, making it a refreshing choice anytime.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta works best?
Rotini pasta is ideal for holding the creamy dressing and mix-ins due to its spiral shape, but other short pasta like fusilli can be used.
- → Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes, chilling for at least one hour helps flavors meld and improves the overall taste and texture.
- → How can I make it vegan?
Substitute mayonnaise and sour cream with plant-based alternatives and omit eggs and cheese to keep it vegan-friendly.
- → Is there a way to add more tanginess?
Adding a splash of apple cider vinegar brightens the salad and enhances the tangy notes.
- → Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely, gluten-free rotini pasta can be used to accommodate gluten sensitivities without compromising texture.