Dill Pickle Pasta Salad -

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This Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is the ultimate summer side dish for any pickle lover that’s made in 20 minutes. It’s tangy, creamy, crunchy, and loaded with dill flavor in every bite. Easy to make ahead of time, it’s ideal for transporting to picnics, barbecues, and parties.

Pickle-flavored anything is something both my kids and I enjoy in so many recipes, and now in our pasta salad! This Dill Pickle Pasta Salad has become regularly requested for any backyard cookout. It’s packed with all the best flavor and crunch from a classic dill pickle in an easy to make side dish. While pasta salad is always a crowd-favorite, this one is truly next level delicious.

My favorite part is that it’s best to make this salad ahead of or for meal prep too, for the best flavors. Serve it alongside hamburgers, hot dogs, or grilled chicken, and you’ll never find yourself in a pickle with a party menu again!

If you’re a pickle lover like us, try some of our other favorite recipes with big dill flavor. This Fried Pickle Dip is the ultimate app, and this Creamy Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is a delicious spin on the traditional.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple, Approachable Ingredients: This recipe calls for only 9 fridge and pantry staple items, and if you don’t already have them, they’re easily found in any grocery store. So you can mix this up at any time.
Quick & Easy in 20 Minutes: With a super simple process, this comes together in a flash. Prep and cook time are minimal, this salad is ready to chill in 20 minutes!
Great for Potlucks: A big pasta salad is always a hit. Serve this to a crowd for a summer BBQ, family party, or any gathering. Bonus, you can make it ahead of time, too.
Easy to Make Your Own: Add in any of your favorite ingredients or flavorings based on your preferences. You can make this recipe a slightly different way each time.

Ingredients

Pasta: We like a short cut pasta here. Rotini, corkscrews or shells work great.
Dill Pickles: For that tangy, briney signature flavor. Save a few tablespoons of pickle juice, too.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and nutty, grate your own.
Red Onion: For an aromatic flavor and crunch.
Celery: For a fresh, crisp bite.
Sour Cream: Smooth and tangy, for the dressing.
Mayonnaise: For richness and creaminess in the dressing.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: Zesty and bold, it takes the salad to a whole new level!
Fresh Dill: A fresh and herby punch of flavor to finish.
Salt & Pepper: Season generously, always.

How To Make Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions.
2. Drain, rinse with cold water, and let cool.
3. In a small bowl, mix the sour cream, mayo, ranch seasoning, and pickle juice until smooth.

4. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped pickles, cheese, onion, and celery.

Ingredients for Dill Pickle Ranch Pasta Salad in piles in a white bowl.

5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until well coated.
6. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
7. Garnish with fresh dill, extra pickles, or more cheese if you’re feeling fancy!

Watch How to Make It

Expert Tips

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the noodles so they’re al dente — they should be tender, but still firm with a bite. Overcooking can lead to too soft, mushy pasta.
Use Ridged Pasta: Rotini, cavatappi, or shells with ridges and curves will hold the creamy dressing best.
Chill Before Serving: Let the pasta salad sit and chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
Freshly Grate Cheese: Don’t skip this step — shredding your own cheese will have the best flavor and texture.

Leanna with a bowl of Dill Pickle Ranch Pasta Salad

Storage

Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat again, refresh with some extra dressing or a splash of pickle juice.

We don’t recommend freezing this pasta salad, as the texture of the noodles can become mushy and soft once thawed.

This is a great make-ahead dish to save you time. Prep the pasta salad a few hours in advance, or up to a full day ahead, then cover and store until you’re ready to serve. Give it a quick stir and another drizzle of dressing (reserve extra) and enjoy.

What To Serve With Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is the perfect side dish with any meal and a great addition to any cookout spread. Here are a few of our favorites to serve it with:

Variations

Try Different Cheeses: Cheddar is a sure-fire win, but try Colby Jack, Feta or Havarti for another exciting flavor.
Add a Protein: Try diced ham, crispy bacon or pulled chicken to bulk up this pasta salad with protein.
Lighten It Up: Use Greek yogurt with mayonnaise, or in place of mayo, for a lighter, tangier dressing.
Add Veggies: Diced bell peppers, celery and cucumbers would be refreshing added crunch and flavor.
Try A Different Pickle Flavor Profile: Dill is zesty and delicious, but try sweet Bread & Butter, or spicy pickles for a different taste.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. This pasta salad actually tastes better after it sits for 1-2 hours, or even overnight. Just stir in a splash of milk or pickle juice, or a drizzle of extra dressing right before serving to refresh.

Can I freeze this recipe?

We don’t recommend freezing this pasta salad, since the texture of the noodles can turn mushy once thawed.

What substitutions work best?

You can swap in different cheeses for cheddar — feta, havarti, Colby Jack or Monterey Jack would all be delicious. You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise in the dressing for a lighter, tangy flavor. And you can switch up the flavor of pickle from dill to sweet Bread and Butter, or even spicy pickles.

How do I keep the best texture?

Make sure to cook the pasta to al dente, so it’s firm with a bite. Don’t overcook it to prevent mushy, soft noodles. And be sure to let the pasta salad chill for 1-2 hours before serving.

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