Description
This Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is a refreshing and tangy dish that combines rotini pasta with sharp cheddar, baby dill pickles, fresh onions, and a creamy dill-infused dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or family dinners, it's easy to prepare and bursting with bold, savory flavors balanced by a smoky kick from chipotle powder.
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: 2 tablespoons for pasta, 2 tablespoons for dressing)
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 the Pasta: Bring a 6 to 7 quart pot of water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook uncovered until al dente, approximately 12 to 15 minutes depending on package instructions.
- Drain and Cool: Drain the pasta in a colander, then run cold water over it to stop the cooking process. Allow the pasta to drain completely before transferring it 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 the chopped fresh dill until well combined.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, dill pickle juice, onion powder, remaining 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped dill, kosher salt, fresh cracked black pepper, and chipotle powder until smooth and fully combined.
- Assemble the Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and stir well until everything is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Chill: Cover the salad tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Notes
- Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Stir well before serving and add a splash of pickle juice or a spoonful of mayo or sour cream if needed to refresh creaminess.
- Let the pasta cool completely before adding the dressing to prevent sogginess.
- Use tangy, garlicky dill pickles instead of sweet pickles for the authentic bold flavor.
- Adjust the chipotle powder gradually to control the smoky heat.
- Optional add-ons include crumbled cooked bacon for savory crunch or a sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill on top for vibrant color and freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
