Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Dill pickle pasta salad is the kind of unexpected crowd-pleaser that turns heads at picnics and potlucks. It’s creamy, tangy, a little crunchy, and wildly addictive. Think of it as your classic pasta salad, but with a bold, zesty twist thanks to dill pickles and a flavor-packed dressing that refuses to be ignored.
Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or just craving something cold and satisfying, this pasta salad delivers. It’s simple to prep ahead and only gets better as it chills in the fridge. Let’s be honest: if you love pickles, you might want to double the batch. It’s that good.
Before you get started
This recipe works best if you prep your ingredients before assembling. That means cooking your pasta, chopping your pickles, and crisping up your bacon ahead of time. You’ll also want to chill your pickle juice and have your herbs ready to go. The dressing comes together in minutes, but it benefits from a little time to meld the flavors. If you have time, make it a few hours early or even the night before.
What You Need To Make Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
To make dill pickle pasta salad, you’ll need ingredients for both the creamy dressing and the pasta salad itself. You’ll find familiar fridge staples like mayo, sour cream, and garlic, along with sharp cheddar, green onions, and, of course, lots of pickles. Fresh herbs bring brightness, while bacon adds a salty crunch. The full list with amounts is in the recipe card.
How To Make Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
1
Start by boiling your pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down and prevent sticking. While the pasta drains, whisk together the dressing: mayo, sour cream, pickle juice, garlic, spices, and herbs.
2
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced pickles, shredded cheddar, minced shallot, green onions, crumbled bacon, and fresh dill. Pour the dressing over everything and stir until well coated. Add the extra pickle juice to taste for a tangier punch.
3
Cover and chill the salad for at least an hour so the flavors can really settle in. Before serving, give it a final stir and add any of the optional garnishes like more bacon or green onions. Tastes best cold, and leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for a couple days.
Commonly Asked Questions
What kind of pickles should I use?
Grillo’s brand dill pickles are recommended for their fresh, crunchy texture and bold flavor. If unavailable, choose a refrigerated dill pickle with minimal sugar.
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, it tastes better after a few hours in the fridge. Make it up to a day in advance and stir well before serving.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, bowties, shells, or penne can work in a pinch.
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1 1/3 cups mayonnaise
- 2/3 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup pickle juice Grillo’s brand
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Generous pinch cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp fresh basil minced (or more to taste)
Pasta Salad
- 16 oz box dried fusilini pasta
- 1 1/2 cups diced dill pickles Grillo’s brand
- 1 cup thick-cut shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 large shallot minced
- 1/2 cup pickle juice Grillo’s brand
- 3 –4 Tbsp minced fresh dill or about 1–1.5 Tbsp dried dill
- 5 slices cooked and crumbled bacon
- 2 green onions diced
Optional Garnishes
- Additional crumbled bacon
- Additional pickles
- Additional green onions
- Additional black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water until fully cooled.
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, garlic, spices, and basil to make the dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, diced pickles, shredded cheddar, shallot, green onions, crumbled bacon, dill, and a bit more pickle juice.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mix and stir until everything is well coated.
- Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Give it a final stir and garnish with extra bacon, pickles, or green onions if desired.
