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Close-up of a creamy pickle pasta salad with shell pasta, fresh dill, and red onion on a rustic wooden background.

Zesty Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

This tangy, creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is the perfect potluck or BBQ side dish. With crunchy pickles, fresh dill, sharp cheddar, and a zippy dressing, every bite bursts with refreshing flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 pound medium shell pasta (about 3 cups uncooked)
  • 3/4 cup sliced dill pickles
  • 2/3 cup diced sharp cheddar cheese
  • 3 tablespoons minced fresh white onion
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
  • 1/2 cup dill pickle juice (for soaking pasta)
  • 2/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 4 tablespoons dill pickle juice (for dressing)
  • to taste salt and black pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Colander to drain pasta
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl for making dressing
  • Whisk or Spoon to mix dressing
  • cutting board and knife for prep work

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add shell pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes.
  2. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and remove starch.
  3. Transfer cooled pasta to a mixing bowl. Pour in 1/2 cup dill pickle juice and toss gently. Let sit for 5 minutes, then drain any excess.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, cayenne (if using), and remaining 4 tablespoons of pickle juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Dice cheddar cheese, mince the onion, and chop fresh dill.
  6. Add drained pasta, sliced pickles, cheese, onion, and dill to a large mixing bowl.
  7. Pour dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
  8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
  9. Stir before serving and garnish with extra dill or pickle slices, if desired.

Notes

Try using rotini or elbow macaroni instead of shell pasta. Add chopped bacon or hard-boiled eggs for extra richness. Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a lighter dressing.