Name: Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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 (such as Vidalia); ½ cup sliced green onion; 4 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (divide 2 tablespoons for pasta and 2 tablespoons for 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

There's something wonderfully tangy and creamy that just hits the spot every time with this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe. It's that perfect balance of sharp cheddar, fresh dill, and pickles that makes it so memorable—trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.

A white bowl filled with creamy pasta salad made of short twisted pasta with a light cream sauce, mixed with light orange cheese cubes, pale green celery slices, and thin pale green pickle slices, sprinkled with green dill flakes and reddish seasoning. On top of the salad, there are two large dark green pickles placed side by side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and a blurry white bowl with more pasta salad is visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe because it’s not your ordinary side dish. It’s packed with personality and flavor, a dish that sparks curiosity and surprise with every bite. It’s become my go-to for potlucks and backyard barbecues because it stands out.

Flavor Explosion: The tang from the dill pickles combined with creamy dressing creates a mouthwatering contrast you can’t resist.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Customizable: Whether you like it spicy, extra tangy, or loaded with bacon, this salad adapts beautifully.
Make Ahead Friendly: It actually gets better after chilling, so it’s great for prepping ahead of time.

A white bowl filled with a creamy pasta salad, showing three visible layers: creamy white dressing coating light beige spiral pasta, orange cubes of cheddar cheese evenly scattered, and thin slices of green pickles mixed throughout, all garnished with small sprigs of fresh dill and a light sprinkle of paprika. A pink spoon scoops some of the salad, lifting pasta, cheese, and pickles together, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This salad works because the ingredients balance each other perfectly: creamy, crunchy, tangy, and fresh all at once. Making sure to get the right pickles and fresh dill really takes it to the next level.

Flat lay of rotini pasta scattered to show their spiral shapes, baby dill pickles sliced thinly with bright green hues, sharp cheddar cheese diced into neat cubes with rich orange color, finely chopped sweet yellow onion pieces in pale golden tones, vibrant sliced green onions with white and green sections, fresh chopped dill with feathery green sprigs, a small glass jar of creamy mayonnaise, a bowl of smooth sour cream topped with a dill sprig, and a small amount of tangy dill pickle juice glistening gently, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Rotini Pasta: Its spiral shape holds on to the dressing beautifully, making every bite flavorful.
Baby Dill Pickles: Not all pickles are created equal here—choose tangy, garlicky dill pickles for that bold flavor.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds richness and a nice bite without overpowering the other flavors.
Sweet Yellow Onion: Offers subtle sweetness and crunch; Vidalia onions are highly recommended if you can find them.
Green Onion: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens the dish.
Fresh Dill: A must-have herb that infuses the salad with authentic dill flavor both in the salad and dressing.
Mayonnaise & Sour Cream: This duo creates a creamy, tangy dressing that clings perfectly to every ingredient.
Dill Pickle Juice: The secret weapon that adds a zesty punch to the dressing.
Seasonings (Onion Powder, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, Chipotle Powder): These round out the flavors, with chipotle adding a subtle smoky heat that makes it memorable.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe depending on the season or my mood. You can make it milder or add a smoky edge. Feel free to make it your own—it’s all about what suits your taste buds!

Variation: I often toss in crumbled crispy bacon for an extra savory crunch. It amps up the comfort factor in a way you won’t regret.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch more chipotle powder or a dash of cayenne if you like a little fire.
For a Dairy-Free Version: Substitute mayo with vegan mayo and use a dairy-free sour cream alternative, and you’re all set.
Fresh Herb Swap: If you don’t have dill on hand, fresh parsley or chives can work in a pinch, though I really recommend sticking with dill for authenticity.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook Pasta to Al Dente Perfection

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil—about 6 to 7 quarts, so the pasta has plenty of room to cook evenly. Add your rotini pasta and cook uncovered until it’s al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Be careful not to overcook; you want a little bite to the pasta because it will soak up the dressing later. After draining, rinse the pasta under cold water to halt cooking and cool it down properly. Leaving it warm here can turn the salad soggy later on.

Step 2: Toss in the Pickles, Cheddar, and Onions

Once the pasta is nicely drained and cool, transfer it to a large bowl. Add the thinly sliced baby dill pickles, sharp cheddar cheese chunks, finely chopped yellow onion, sliced green onion, and half the fresh dill. Mix everything together gently but well so the textures and flavors start to meld.

Step 3: Whisk the Creamy Dill Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, dill pickle juice, onion powder, kosher salt, fresh cracked black pepper, the remaining fresh dill, and a pinch of chipotle powder until the dressing is smooth and creamy. This pickled tang combined with smoky heat is what makes this salad so addictive.

Step 4: Combine and Chill for Maximum Flavor

Pour the dressing over your pasta mixture and stir well until everything is evenly coated. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and chill the salad in your fridge for at least one hour before serving. This resting time lets the flavors marry perfectly and gives you that cool, refreshing summer dish vibe.

Top Tip

From my experience, this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe shines brightest when you pay attention to how you handle the pasta and pickles. Here are a few insider pointers to help it come together perfectly every time.

Cool Your Pasta: Make sure your pasta is completely cooled and drained before adding the dressing—warm pasta will soak up too much dressing and make the salad soggy.
Pickle Juice Magic: Use good quality pickle juice—it packs a punch and really makes the dressing zing, so don’t skip it or substitute with vinegar.
Chipotle Balance: That chipotle powder adds a subtle smoky heat, so start with less and add more to taste—you don’t want to overpower the salad.
Don’t Overmix Cheese: Gently fold in the cheese to keep those lovely cubes intact—they add great texture and eye appeal.

How to Serve Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this salad with a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley right before serving—it adds color, freshness, and that ‘just picked from the garden’ vibe. Sometimes, I add a few crispy bacon bits up top for extra crunch and savory goodness. If you like a little heat, a light dusting of smoked paprika can look beautiful and taste amazing.

Side Dishes

This pasta salad is a perfect side for grilled meats, like juicy barbecue chicken or steak. I also love pairing it with pulled pork sandwiches or even a spread of cold cuts and fresh bread for a casual summer picnic. It’s so versatile that it can shine alongside anything from burgers to garden-fresh salads.

Creative Ways to Present

For special get-togethers, I like to serve this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe in a hollowed-out watermelon or large bell pepper for a fun, colorful presentation. Layering it in glass jars also makes it portable and visually appealing for picnics or potlucks. Little fresh dill sprigs on top make it look like you put in a little extra love, even if you didn’t.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. I recommend stirring it well before serving again, because the dressing sometimes settles or gets absorbed into the pasta. If it feels a bit dry, splash in some extra pickle juice or a spoonful of mayo or sour cream to revive that creamy texture.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe because the mayo and sour cream-based dressing tends to separate and the texture of fresh onions and pickles can get mushy after thawing. Fresh is definitely best here.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. Just take it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to let it warm slightly for optimal flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of pasta for the Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding the dressing, you can swap in elbow macaroni, shells, or even penne. Just make sure the pasta has enough surface area to grab that delicious dressing.

What if I don’t have dill pickle juice on hand?

If you don’t have pickle juice, you can try subbing with a mix of vinegar and a pinch of salt, but it won’t have the same authentic tangy zip. For the best flavor, I recommend using the juice from your own dill pickles or buying a small jar of quality pickle juice.

How long can I keep this pasta salad in the fridge?

This salad stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days if stored properly in an airtight container. Stir it before serving again and refresh with a little pickle juice if needed.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! You can swap mayonnaise with a dairy-free version and use plant-based sour cream alternatives to make this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe dairy-free. The flavor and texture are still delicious and creamy with these swaps.

Final Thoughts

This Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe has become one of my favorite “wow factor” dishes to share. Its bright pickle tang and creamy, cheesy richness make it so satisfying and unique. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do—and find your own little ways to customize and savor it. Trust me, your friends and family will be asking for seconds!