Simple Dill Pickle Pasta Salad – theamazingfood
There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of pasta salad, especially when it graces the table at summer picnics, family gatherings, or cozy weeknight dinners. I remember the first time I tasted a dill pickle pasta salad—it was at a family friend’s cookout, where laughter mingled with the aroma of grilled burgers, and the sun cast a golden hue over everything. As I took my first bite, the tangy crunch of dill pickles danced with the creamy goodness of the dressing, and I was instantly transported to a place of pure bliss.
Today, I am thrilled to share my Simple Dill Pickle Pasta Salad recipe with you. This easy weeknight dinner option is packed with delicious flavors, and I assure you, it will quickly become a family favorite. You’ll want to pin this one for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—perfect for a busy weeknight or last-minute gatherings.
- No baking involved, making it a delightful dish for warm days.
- Family-friendly and packed with flavors that appeal to everyone!
- Crowd-pleasing, ensuring there’ll be no leftovers when serving at parties.
- Versatile and easily customizable—switch up ingredients based on your preference or what you have on hand.
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple Ingredients:
- 1 box (16 oz) rotini noodles
- 2 cups chopped small dill pickles
- 8 oz colby jack cheese, diced
- 1 small white onion, minced
- 1/3 cup brine from dill pickles
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup dill pickle liquid
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried dill)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Let’s Make It Together
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Start by cooking the rotini noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. You’ll want them tender yet slightly al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped dill pickles, diced colby jack cheese, and minced white onion. Let those ingredients mingle and get to know each other a bit!
Next, add the cooled rotini noodles into the bowl with the pickle mixture.
In a smaller bowl, mix together the dill pickle brine, mayonnaise, sour cream, dill pickle liquid, chopped fresh dill (or dried dill), salt, and pepper. Stir it all until creamy and well combined.
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture and toss gently until every rotini noodle is covered in that luscious, creamy goodness.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully.
Serve cold and watch it disappear from the table—trust me, it’ll be a hit!
Variations & Creative Twists
- Zesty Addition: Try adding diced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and a zesty crunch!
- Creamy Avocado: Fold in some creamy avocado for an indulgent texture that enhances the richness of the salad.
- Protein Boost: Add shredded rotisserie chicken or chopped turkey bacon for a savory twist and a hearty boost to the dish.
- Herb Change-Up: Swap out fresh dill for other herbs like cilantro or basil for a different flavor profile that’s equally refreshing.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Advice: This pasta salad tastes even better the next day! If you’re planning a gathering, consider making it the day before to let the flavors develop.
- Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to swap out the colby jack cheese for another favorite cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, to suit your family’s taste preferences.
- Slicing Tricks: When chopping your onions, rinse them under cold water to tone down the sharpness for a milder flavor.
- Storage Suggestions: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving!
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Carbs: 30g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 27g
- Protein: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! This salad can be prepared the day before, allowing the flavors to develop beautifully.
Can I use different ingredients?
Absolutely! You can customize it by experimenting with different veggies, cheeses, or proteins to make it your own.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
How long does it last?
Typically, this pasta salad lasts about three days in the fridge, but it’s best enjoyed fresh!
Wrapping It Up
This Simple Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of creamy, tangy, and crunchy textures that evokes cozy memories of summer gatherings and cherished family recipes. It’s easy to make, loaded with flavor, and sure to be a beloved addition to your meal rotation. Save this Simple Dill Pickle Pasta Salad – theamazingfood to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Trust me, each bite will feel like a warm hug from the inside out. Enjoy!
Print
Simple Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and creamy pasta salad that combines the tangy crunch of dill pickles with colby jack cheese, perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 box (16 oz) rotini noodles
- 2 cups chopped small dill pickles
- 8 oz colby jack cheese, diced
- 1 small white onion, minced
- 1/3 cup brine from dill pickles
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup dill pickle liquid
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried dill)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the rotini noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until tender yet slightly al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped dill pickles, diced colby jack cheese, and minced white onion.
- Add the cooled rotini noodles into the bowl with the pickle mixture.
- In a smaller bowl, mix together the dill pickle brine, mayonnaise, sour cream, dill pickle liquid, chopped fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Stir until creamy and well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture and toss gently until every rotini noodle is covered.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve cold and enjoy!
Notes
This salad tastes better the next day. Consider making it a day ahead for enhanced flavor development.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: pasta salad, dill pickle, summer recipe, vegetarian dish, easy recipe