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Dill Pickle Pasta Salad: A Tangy, Creamy Delight for Every Occasion

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

This Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is a tangy, creamy, and refreshing dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick side dish. It combines tender spiral pasta, crunchy dill pickles, creamy cheese, and a zesty homemade dill dressing made with pickle juice for an extra punch of flavor. It’s easy to make and will quickly become a crowd favorite!

Ingredients

For the Salad:
â–¢ 1 box (16 oz) rotini pasta
â–¢ 1/3 cup dill pickle juice (from the pickle jar)
â–¢ 2 cups chopped baby dill pickles
â–¢ 1 block (8 oz) Colby Jack cheese, cubed small
â–¢ 1 small white onion, finely chopped

For the Creamy Dill Dressing:
â–¢ 1 cup mayonnaise
â–¢ 1/2 cup sour cream
â–¢ 1/3 cup dill pickle juice (from the pickle jar)
â–¢ 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
â–¢ 1/4 teaspoon salt
â–¢ 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta:
    • Cook the rotini pasta according to the package directions. Add about 1 teaspoon of salt to the boiling water for extra flavor.
    • Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. Marinate the Pasta:
    • Transfer the rinsed pasta to a large mixing bowl and pour 1/3 cup of pickle juice over it. Stir to combine and let it sit while you prepare the other ingredients.
  3. Prepare the Add-Ins:
    • Chop the dill pickles and Colby Jack cheese into small cubes. Finely chop the white onion.
  4. Combine the Salad:
    • Drain the pasta again (it was sitting in the pickle juice) and return it to the mixing bowl.
    • Add the chopped pickles, cheese, and onion to the pasta. Stir to combine.
  5. Make the Dressing:
    • In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, fresh dill, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
  6. Assemble the Salad:
    • Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and stir until everything is well coated.
  7. Chill and Serve:
    • The salad can be eaten immediately, but for the best flavor, cover it and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to let the flavors meld.
    • Serve chilled and enjoy!

Notes

  • Pickle Choice: Use baby dill pickles for easier chopping and a balanced flavor.
  • Mayonnaise: For the best taste and texture, use full-fat mayonnaise like Best Foods or Hellman’s.
  • Add Heat: For a spicy kick, add a pinch or two of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
  • Cheese and Pasta: While rotini and Colby Jack cheese are recommended, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes or cheeses.
  • Serving: For the creamiest texture, serve the salad within a few hours of making it. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge but may thicken over time.

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