If you are looking to add a refreshing and tangy twist to your pasta salad collection, the Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe is an absolute game changer. This salad combines the creamy richness of a mayo-based dressing with the zesty punch of dill pickle juice and fresh dill, creating a flavor profile that’s packed with personality. The tender shell pasta serves as the perfect base to soak up all those vibrant flavors, while the shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese and crispy dill pickles add delightful texture and color. Whether it’s a summer picnic, a casual potluck, or a weekday side dish, this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe is guaranteed to brighten up any meal and have your friends asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To craft this delicious Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe, you’ll want to gather a few simple yet crucial ingredients. Each one plays a key role, from building the creamy, flavorful dressing to giving the salad its satisfying textures and lively colors.
- 1 lb dry shell pasta: These tender shells hold onto the dressing beautifully, making every bite flavorful.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: Provides a rich and creamy base for the dressing that ties everything together.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Adds a touch of tanginess and lightens the dressing’s texture.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Gives a subtle kick and depth to the dressing’s flavor.
- 1 tablespoon McCormick’s Salad Supreme seasoning: Brings a unique herb and spice blend that complements the pickles perfectly.
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper: Offers just the right amount of warmth and balance.
- 1/2 cup dill pickle juice: The star ingredient that infuses the salad with that irresistible tang.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill weed: Fresh dill brightens the salad with its grassy, aromatic notes.
- 2 cups shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese: Adds creamy, melty pockets of flavor and color contrast.
- 2 cups sliced dill pickles: Crunchy, tangy bites that bring the dish to life.
How to Make Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling the dry shell pasta in salted water until it’s perfectly al dente—tender but still holding its shape. This texture is essential because the shells will capture the dressing, letting every bite burst with flavor. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it briefly under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools the pasta down, prepping it perfectly for the creamy dressing.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Add McCormick’s Salad Supreme seasoning and freshly ground black pepper for seasoning. Pour in the dill pickle juice and stir in the chopped fresh dill weed. This mixture is what makes the Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe stand out, infusing the salad with piquant and herbaceous notes that sing with every mouthful.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Dressing
Pour the cooled pasta into the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold the pasta to coat every shell evenly. Be careful not to stir too vigorously to keep the pasta shells intact and to evenly distribute the dressing.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Pickles
Next, toss in the shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese and sliced dill pickles. These add a lovely creaminess and crunch that balances the tang of the dressing, making the Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe incredibly satisfying to both the taste buds and the texture senses.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving. Allowing it to chill gives the flavors time to meld together beautifully and enhances that refreshing, tangy taste that makes this dish so addictive.
How to Serve Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe by sprinkling extra fresh dill on top just before serving. A little cracked black pepper or finely chopped green onions also adds a pop of color and flavor, making it look as irresistible as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This pasta salad pairs brilliantly with grilled meats like chicken or sausages, making it a perfect companion for backyard barbecues. It also complements simple sandwiches or wraps for a hearty but light lunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta salad in individual mason jars or hollowed-out mini bell peppers. This adds a playful presentation that’s sure to impress guests at any gathering, all while keeping things easy for portion control.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to develop overnight, making the salad even tastier the next day. Aim to consume leftovers within 3 to 4 days for the best freshness.
Freezing
Because the salad’s mayonnaise-based dressing and fresh pickles do not freeze well, freezing is not recommended. The texture will change, and the dressing may separate, losing that delightful creaminess crucial to the Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. If you prefer it slightly warmer, simply let it sit out for 10-15 minutes to take the chill off before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for the Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! While shell pasta is ideal for catching the dressing, other short pastas like rotini or elbow macaroni work wonderfully. Just make sure to cook them al dente for the best texture.
What if I don’t have fresh dill weed on hand?
If fresh dill isn’t available, dried dill can be used as a substitute, though fresh offers a brighter flavor. Use about one-third of the amount when substituting dried dill to avoid overpowering the salad.
Is this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes! It refrigerates well and actually tastes better after a few hours when the flavors meld. Just keep the salad covered to maintain freshness and enjoy it within a few days.
Can I make this salad vegan or dairy-free?
Definitely! Swap mayonnaise and sour cream for vegan alternatives, and choose a plant-based cheese or omit it entirely. The dill pickle juice and seasoning will still bring all that signature tang and flavor.
How much dill pickle juice should I use if I want the salad less tangy?
You can reduce the dill pickle juice to 1/4 cup for a milder tang. Remember, the pickle slices themselves also add flavor, so taste as you go to find your perfect balance.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe enough for anyone who loves a delightful mix of creamy tang and crispy texture. It brings such a happy burst of flavor to any meal and is so simple to make with everyday pantry ingredients. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll quickly become one of your go-to dishes for gatherings, lunches, or just a tasty weeknight treat!
Print
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 8 to 8.5 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is a tangy, creamy dish perfect for summer gatherings or as a refreshing side. Featuring a zesty dill pickle dressing combined with tender shell pasta, shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese, and crunchy dill pickles, this salad is bright, flavorful, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 1 lb dry shell pasta
Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon McCormick’s Salad Supreme seasoning
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup dill pickle juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill weed
Add-ins:
- 2 cups shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 cups sliced dill pickles
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dry shell pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool, then set aside.
- Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, McCormick’s Salad Supreme seasoning, black pepper, dill pickle juice, and chopped fresh dill weed until smooth and well combined.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese, and sliced dill pickles. Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and garnish with extra fresh dill if desired.
Notes
- For best flavor, make the salad a few hours ahead or overnight.
- Use good-quality dill pickles and pickle juice for optimal tanginess.
- You can substitute shell pasta with rotini or elbow macaroni if preferred.
- If you prefer a lighter salad, reduce the mayonnaise and increase sour cream proportionally.
- Add chopped red onion or celery for extra crunch and flavor complexity.
