If you’re a dill pickle lover, get ready to fall in love with this ultra-creamy, tangy, and crunchy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad. This recipe takes everything you love about pasta salad and gives it a zesty upgrade with punchy dill pickles, sharp cheddar cheese, red onion, and a homemade dill-packed dressing. It’s the kind of dish that disappears fast at BBQs, potlucks, and summer picnics.

What makes this salad irresistible is the perfect balance between creaminess and crunch. The pickles bring a bold briny flavor that cuts through the richness of the mayo and sour cream dressing, while fresh dill ties it all together with a bright herbal note. Each bite is a flavor explosion that makes it hard to stop at one serving.

What Kind of Pickles Should I Use?

Use your favorite crisp dill pickles—whether they’re homemade or from a jar. Look for pickles that are crunchy and boldly flavored. Kosher dill pickles or refrigerated deli-style pickles usually have the best tang and texture. Avoid sweet pickles here; their sugary flavor throws off the balance of this savory salad.

Ingredients for the Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Rotini Pasta: This short, spiral shape holds onto the creamy dressing and pickle bits perfectly.
Dill Pickles: The star of the show. Their tangy snap brings the whole salad to life.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds richness and a bit of chew. Cubes work better than shredded.
Red Onion: For a crisp bite and a little extra zing.
Fresh Dill: Intensifies the dill flavor, giving it a garden-fresh lift.
Mayonnaise & Sour Cream: A combo that creates a smooth, creamy base with just the right amount of tang.
Dill Pickle Juice: Boosts the briny punch of the salad dressing.
Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt & Pepper: These simple seasonings round out the flavor.

How To Make the Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil the rotini according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and cool the pasta.

Step 2: Chop and Prep

While the pasta cooks, chop your dill pickles, cube the cheddar cheese, slice the red onion thin, and mince the fresh dill.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, pickle juice, and all the seasonings until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooled pasta, chopped pickles, cheese, onion, and dill to the bowl with the dressing. Toss until evenly coated and creamy.

Step 5: Chill Before Serving

Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Serving and Storing the Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is best served chilled and tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If the salad gets a little dry from sitting, just stir in a splash more mayo or pickle juice to freshen it up.

What to Serve With Dill Pickle Pasta Salad?

Grilled Burgers

The briny snap of the salad pairs perfectly with juicy grilled beef or turkey burgers.

BBQ Ribs

The creamy dressing cuts through the richness of smoky, saucy ribs.

Fried Chicken

Crispy chicken and zippy pasta salad are a match made in picnic heaven.

Veggie Skewers

Balance things out with some colorful roasted or grilled vegetables.

Hot Dogs or Brats

Whether you’re at a cookout or tailgate, this salad is the ideal sidekick.

Want More Pasta Salad Ideas?

If you love this tangy dill pickle version, check out these flavorful options too:

Creamy Crab Pasta Salad for a seafood twist.
California Spaghetti Salad with a bright veggie crunch.
Tex-Mex Salad when you’re craving something bold and spicy.
Cheeseburger Soup if you want another pickle-packed comfort dish.
Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad for a fresh, herbaceous option.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to whip it up again.

Tried it with a twist? Maybe you tossed in bacon bits or swapped cheddar for pepper jack? I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop your tips or questions in the comments below.

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen.com on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Author: Julia Walton
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

If you’re obsessed with pickles, this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad will be your new go-to for potlucks and cookouts. It’s a cold, creamy, tangy pasta salad filled with rotini, sharp cheddar, crunchy dill pickles, red onion, and a fresh dill dressing. This easy recipe is perfect for anyone needing quick lunch ideas, a party side dish, or a cold picnic salad. It blends bold flavors and textures for a crowd-pleasing dish that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Great as a make-ahead meal, a no-fuss dinner idea, or just because you’re craving food ideas with pickles!

Instructions

1. Cook the rotini pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Rinse under cold water and drain well.

2. While pasta cooks, chop dill pickles, cube cheddar cheese, slice red onion, and chop fresh dill.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, dill pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

4. Add the cooled pasta, pickles, cheddar, onion, and dill to the bowl. Toss to coat everything evenly.

5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors combine.

6. Stir before serving and adjust seasoning or add more dressing if needed.

Notes

For extra zing, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the dressing.

Use refrigerated pickles for the best crunch and flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 420
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 790mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: cold pasta salad, dill pickle recipes, creamy summer salad