Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad (Print Version)

Vibrant tangy pasta salad with dill pickles, peas, and creamy dressing. Ideal for picnics and potlucks.

# Components:

→ Pasta & Vegetables

01 - 2 cups ditalini pasta, uncooked
02 - 1 cup dill pickles, diced
03 - 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
04 - 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
05 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced

→ Dressing

06 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
07 - 1/4 cup sour cream
08 - 2 tablespoons pickle juice
09 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
10 - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
11 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
12 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Garnish

14 - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

# Directions:

01 - Boil ditalini pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cooled.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, diced pickles, thawed peas, chopped celery, and diced red onion.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, Dijon mustard, dill, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until smooth and well combined.
04 - Pour dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
05 - Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and develop.
06 - Stir salad thoroughly and garnish with additional fresh dill if desired before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together faster than most pasta salads and tastes better the next day.
  • The pickle juice in the dressing gives it a bright, addictive tang that keeps people guessing.
  • It holds up beautifully in warm weather without getting soggy or sad.
02 -
  • Rinsing the pasta under cold water is non-negotiable or it will absorb too much dressing and turn gummy.
  • Always taste the dressing before mixing it in, pickles vary wildly in saltiness and you may need less salt than you think.
03 -
  • Use the crunchiest, most flavorful pickles you can find, it makes all the difference in texture and taste.
  • Don't skip the resting time in the fridge, that is when everything comes together and the salad goes from good to unforgettable.
Return