Do you ever find yourself craving a dish that perfectly balances tangy and creamy flavors? Look no further than the delicious and versatile Dill Pickle Pasta Salad. This mouth-watering creation brings together the classic flavors of dill pickles with the comfort of creamy pasta, making it a fan favorite at potlucks, picnics, and BBQs. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your friends with this irresistible recipe that features the perfect blend of familiarity and novelty, served up in a bowl.

Easy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe

This Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is a new experience and a way to amp up your pasta salad menu for picnics, casual gatherings and family meals. It serves up a delightful surprise to your taste buds utilizing both the pickle brine in the dressing as well as a generous amount of dill pickles mixed in. It infuses the familiar comfort of pasta salad with the tangy twist of dill pickles for an unexpected combination that seamlessly brings together two of your favorite dishes. How do you make Dill Pickle Pasta Salad: (Scroll down for full printable recipe.)

Pasta – Cook the cavatappi pasta in salted water per the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Dressing – In a large bowl whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, ranch dressing mix, salt, black pepper, granulated garlic and onion powder.
Mix-Ins – To the bowl add pickles, ham and red onion. Mix to combine using a large spoon or rubber spatula.
Add Pasta – After draining the pasta, add it to the ingredients in the mixing bowl.
Allow a Few Minutes to Cool – Mix to fully coat the pasta with the dressing then set aside to cool slightly (or chill in the fridge for 10 minutes).
Add Cheese and Fresh Dill – Add the shredded cheese and fresh dill to the pasta salad. Mix to fully combine.
Cover and chill for 2-4 hours then serve garnished with pickle slices and chopped dill.

How to Make the BEST Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe

Key Ingredients you’ll need to make homemade Dill Pickle Salad: One pound of dry cavatappi or twisted macaroni pasta, mayonnaise, sour cream, dill pickle juice, dill pickles, dry ranch dressing mix, salt, black pepper, granulated garlic, onion powder, ham steak cubed, red onion, shredded sharp cheddar cheese and fresh chopped dill.
Kitchen tools you’ll need: Pasta cooker, large bowl, cheese grater, sharp knife and cutting board, measuring cups and spoons.
I recommend using a pasta with ridges for this dill pickle salad to really grab onto the dressing. You could use regular elbow macaroni, rotini, medium shells or bow tie pasta.
I use ham in this recipe inspired by those simple retro ham, dill pickle and cream cheese appetizers that go so well together. You can make dill pickle pasta salad with bacon in place of ham. You may also opt to omit it altogether if you want a meatless option.
Sharp cheddar cheese holds up well to the bold pickle flavor in this salad. You could use another flavor if that’s your preference but good ole cheddar will do the trick. Likewise, you can make dill pickle pasta salad without cheese if there’s a dietary restriction.
Store Dill Pickle Pasta Salad in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving.

More Pasta Salad Recipes to Make

Homestyle Macaroni Salad is a picnic and bbq staple.
Italian Spaghetti Salad can double as a side dish or an entree.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad makes a filling meal for a warm day.
Tuna Macaroni Salad is a potluck favorite.
This Pizza Pasta Salad is a tasty sidekick for grilling and casual dining.
Layered Southwestern Cheese Tortellini Salad is an edible centerpiece for your table.
BLT Macaroni Salad is a fan favorite!
Mediterranean inspired Greek Pasta Salad.
Spicy Pasta Salad with Smoked Gouda, Tomatoes and Basil from The Pioneer Woman.

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