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.

Ingredients to Make 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 our favorite dishes. If you like dill pickle dip, you’ll love dill pickle salad. Ingredients to make the best Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card.)

Pasta – One box of cavatappi or twisted macaroni pasta.
Pickles – Sliced dill pickles plus reserved juice.
Ham – One half pound fully cooked ham, cut into cubes.
Onion – Red onion for flavor and texture.
Cheese – Shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
Dressing – Mayonnaise and sour cream plus dill pickle juice for tanginess.
Seasonings – Ranch seasoning mix, salt, black pepper, granulated garlic or garlic powder and onion powder.
Herb – Fresh chopped dill for the salad plus additional for garnishing.

How to Make the BEST Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe

Boil Pasta Noodles – Cook the cavatappi pasta in salted water per the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Make the Dressing – In a large bowl whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, a splash of pickle juice, ranch dressing mix, salt, black pepper, granulated garlic and onion powder.
Mix-Ins – To the bowl add diced 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.
Refrigerate – Cover and chill Dill Pickle Pasta Salad for 2-4 hours then serve garnished with pickle slices and chopped fresh dill.

Tips for Making Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need: Pasta cooker or large pot, large bowl, small bowl or medium bowl to make the dressing if making in advance, cheese grater, sharp knife and cutting board, measuring cups and spoons.
Pasta Salad Options: 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 pasta, penne pasta, medium shells, corkscrew pasta or bow tie pasta.
Don’t Rinse the Pasta: Some cook’s recommend draining the pasta and rinsing with it cold water. I don’t recommend doing this as the starch on the pasta helps the dressing to adhere.
Serving Ideas: Serve this dill pickle pasta salad with sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, meatloaf, fried chicken or seafood.

Recipe Variations

Protein Variations: 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, diced chicken, diced turkey or salami in place of ham. You may also opt to omit it altogether if you want a meatless option.
Pasta: You could use a similar shaped pasta. Rotini, elbow macaroni or penne pasta.
Vegetables: You may like to add more fresh veggies to the mix. Cherry tomatoes, black olives or celery for crunch. You can also garnish with fresh parsley or fresh basil leaves.
Vinegar: You can add one or two tablespoons of red wine vinegar and reduce the amount of dill pickle juice.
Cheese Substitutions: Sharp cheddar cheese holds up well to the bold pickle flavor in this salad. You could use another flavor like pepper jack cheese or mozzarella cheese, if that’s your preference. Otherwise, good ole cheddar will do the trick. Likewise, you can make dill pickle pasta salad without cheese, if there’s a dietary restriction.

Storage and Leftovers

Leftovers: Store Dill Pickle Pasta Salad in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving.
Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing pasta salads, as the dressing can break down once thawed.

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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