Description
A zesty and creamy dill pickle pasta salad featuring rotini pasta, sharp cheddar, and a tangy dill-infused dressing, perfect for picnics and potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Salad
- 16 ounce package Rotini Pasta
- 2 cups baby dill pickles sliced ⅛ inch thick
- 1½ cup diced sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup finely chopped sweet yellow onion
- ½ cup sliced green onion
- 4 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (divided)
Dressing
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- ⅓ cup dill pickle juice
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chipotle powder
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a 6 to 7 quart pot of water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook uncovered until al dente, about 12-15 minutes.
- Drain and Rinse: Drain the pasta using a colander and run cold water over it to halt the cooking process. Allow the pasta to drain completely before transferring to a large bowl.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Stir in the sliced baby dill pickles, diced sharp cheddar cheese, finely chopped sweet yellow onion, sliced green onion, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill until well combined.
- Prepare Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, dill pickle juice, onion powder, the remaining 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped dill, kosher salt, fresh cracked black pepper, and chipotle powder until smooth and fully combined.
- Mix Salad and Dressing: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Chill: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Stir well before serving again.
- If the salad dries out after refrigeration, refresh it with a splash of pickle juice or a spoonful of mayonnaise or sour cream.
- Let pasta cool fully before adding dressing to prevent sogginess.
- Use tangy dill pickles rather than sweet pickles for authentic flavor.
- Add crumbled cooked bacon for extra savory crunch and richness.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or dill before serving for a colorful, fresh touch.
- Start with a small pinch of chipotle powder and adjust to taste to control the smoky heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: twenty-six g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
