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Delicious Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

dill pickle pasta salad - featured image

A tangy and creamy dill pickle pasta salad that’s quick to make and perfect for summer gatherings. This easy 5-ingredient recipe is a crowd-pleaser with a refreshing crunch and bold flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni or small shell pasta
  • 1 cup diced dill pickles
  • 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions—usually about 7-8 minutes—until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool completely.
  3. While pasta cooks, dice 1 cup of dill pickles into small bite-sized pieces. Chop 2 tablespoons fresh dill finely.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise with 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice. Add 1 teaspoon sugar if desired. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  5. Add cooled pasta, diced pickles, and chopped dill into the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together using a wooden spoon or spatula.
  6. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
  7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

Use crunchy, firm dill pickles for best texture. Rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sogginess. Fresh dill brightens the flavor more than dried. Chill salad for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld. For gluten-free, swap pasta with chickpea or lentil pasta. For a lighter twist, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.

Nutrition

Keywords: dill pickle pasta salad, easy pasta salad, summer salad, crowd-pleaser, quick side dish, creamy pasta salad