Go Back
- 2 cups elbow macaroni - 1 cup dill pickles, finely chopped - 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced - 1/2 cup celery, finely diced - 1/2 cup mayonnaise - 1/2 cup sour cream - 2 tablespoons pickle juice (from the jar) - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh dill sprigs, for garnish To start, you need two cups of elbow macaroni. This is the base of your pasta salad. Boil it until it is al dente and then cool it with cold water. Next, gather one cup of finely chopped dill pickles. This gives a great crunch and tang. You’ll also need half a cup each of red onion and celery, both diced finely. For the creamy dressing, you will use half a cup of mayonnaise and half a cup of sour cream. Two tablespoons of pickle juice add that perfect zing. One tablespoon of Dijon mustard brings in depth of flavor. Finally, add garlic powder and onion powder for extra taste. Don’t forget salt and pepper to season to your liking. Fresh dill sprigs will make a lovely garnish. If you want to change things up, there are some easy swaps. You can use any small pasta shape instead of elbow macaroni. If you prefer, Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a lighter option. You can also switch out the mayonnaise for an avocado spread. If you want more crunch, try adding bell peppers or carrots. For a kick, add chopped jalapeños. Use dill relish if you cannot find dill pickles. These substitutions keep the spirit of the dish while letting your taste shine through. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it bubbles, add 2 cups of elbow macaroni. Cook the pasta for 7 to 10 minutes until it is tender but still firm. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools the macaroni. Set it aside to drain well. Grab a large mixing bowl. In it, combine 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1/2 cup of sour cream, 2 tablespoons of pickle juice, and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Season with salt and black pepper. Whisk these together until you have a smooth, creamy dressing. Now, it’s time to mix! Add the cooled elbow macaroni to your creamy dressing. Gently toss the macaroni until every piece is coated. Next, fold in 1 cup of finely chopped dill pickles, 1/2 cup of diced red onion, and 1/2 cup of diced celery. Ensure everything is mixed well without breaking the pasta. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. Cover and chill it for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend. When ready to serve, garnish with fresh dill sprigs for a nice touch. For the full recipe, check out the details in the earlier sections. Cook pasta in a big pot of salted water. The salt helps flavor the pasta. Use a timer to avoid overcooking. I suggest cooking it until it is al dente. This means it should be firm when you bite into it. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water. This stops the cooking and cools the pasta down. Taste your pasta salad before serving. You can add more salt, pepper, or pickle juice if needed. If it tastes dull, a bit more pickle juice can add zing. Always mix well after adding any seasoning. This helps ensure every bite is flavorful. Make your creamy dill pickle pasta salad a few hours in advance. This allows the flavors to blend well. Cover it tightly and chill it in the fridge. It tastes best when it sits for at least 30 minutes. For maximum flavor, try to let it chill overnight. This will make your dish even more delicious. For the full recipe, check out the Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad 🥒 section above. {{image_4}} You can change the pasta shape for fun! The classic elbow macaroni works great. But you can try shells, rotini, or even penne. Each shape holds the creamy dressing well. Using different shapes can make the dish look unique too. Plus, it can add a fun twist to each bite! Want to make it hearty? Try adding proteins. Cooked chicken or diced ham pairs nicely with the salad. You can also try tuna or chickpeas for a different taste. For veggies, add bell peppers, peas, or corn. These choices boost flavor and nutrition. Don’t be afraid to mix and match based on what you love! Feel free to switch up the dressing. If you want a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. You can also try a vinaigrette for a tangy twist. For extra flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or some fresh herbs. These swaps can make the recipe your own. Check the Full Recipe for more ideas! Store your creamy dill pickle pasta salad in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. Place it in the fridge right after serving. The salad tastes even better after chilling. I do not recommend freezing this pasta salad. The texture changes when thawed. The creamy dressing may separate and become watery. It's best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated. In the fridge, this salad lasts about three to four days. Always check for signs of spoilage before serving. If it looks or smells off, toss it out. Enjoy it while it's fresh for the best taste! Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options. I suggest using a gluten-free elbow macaroni. It cooks well and holds the dressing nicely. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package. This way, everyone can enjoy the creamy dill pickle pasta salad. You can make it healthier by adding fresh veggies. Try adding chopped bell peppers, cucumbers, or carrots. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. This swap adds protein and reduces fat. Lastly, use less mayonnaise or a light version for fewer calories. Creamy dill pickle pasta salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. You can also add it to a picnic plate with sandwiches. It complements burgers or hot dogs nicely. For a light meal, serve it alongside a fresh garden salad. Enjoy the mix of flavors! This blog covered how to make creamy dill pickle pasta salad. We discussed the key ingredients, preparations, and substitutions. You learned step-by-step instructions for cooking and combining the pasta and dressing. We shared helpful tips for perfect seasoning and storage. You also found variations to try different pasta shapes or proteins. With this knowledge, you can create a tasty pasta salad that suits your taste. Enjoy experimenting and making it your own!

Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Looking for a deliciously unique dish? Try this creamy dill pickle pasta salad! Packed with elbow macaroni, crunchy veggies, and a smooth, tangy dressing, this recipe is a perfect side for any meal. It’s easy to make, takes just 45 minutes, and serves 6 people! Dive into the step-by-step instructions and prepare to impress your friends and family. Click to explore the full recipe and discover a new favorite!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups elbow macaroni

1 cup dill pickles, finely chopped

1/2 cup red onion, finely diced

1/2 cup celery, finely diced

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup sour cream

2 tablespoons pickle juice (from the jar)

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh dill sprigs, for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process and cool the macaroni. Set it aside to drain well.

    Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Using a whisk or spatula, mix these ingredients together until they form a smooth and creamy dressing.

      Combine Pasta and Dressing: Add the cooled elbow macaroni to the creamy dressing mixture. Gently toss the macaroni with the dressing until every piece is well-coated and the mixture is evenly distributed.

        Incorporate Vegetables: Carefully fold in the finely chopped dill pickles, red onion, and celery into the pasta salad. Make sure to incorporate them evenly without breaking the macaroni.

          Taste and Adjust: Take a moment to taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add extra salt, pepper, or a splash of pickle juice if you desire more tanginess.

            Chill to Enhance Flavor: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

              Serve and Garnish: When ready to serve, spoon the pasta salad into a serving dish or individual bowls. Garnish with fresh dill sprigs on top for an extra pop of flavor and an appealing presentation.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 45 minutes | 6 servings