Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
+3 photos

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

12 servings
Dill pickle pasta salad is creamy, briney, and certainly not your normal backyard BBQ pasta salad. With dill pickles, dill Havarti, and fresh dill, this is top to bottom a dish for people who love pickles.

Ingredients

  • shallot

    thinly sliced, about 1/2 cup

    1 medium
  • rice vinegar
    1 tbsp.
  • whole grain mustard
    1 tbsp.
  • cracked black pepper
    ¾ tsp.
  • kosher salt

    plus more for pasta cooking water

    ½ tsp.
  • chopped dill pickles

    plus 1/4 cup pickle brine, divided, from [1 24-oz.] jar

    2 c
  • pkg. uncooked orecchiette pasta
    1
  • mayonnaise
    ¾ c
  • sour cream
    ½ c
  • block dill havarti cheese

    chopped, about 1 cup

    1
  • celery stalks

    thinly sliced, about 1 1/3 cups

    2 medium
  • chopped fresh dill

    plus more for garnish

    ½ c
  • ranch seasoning mix
    1 tbsp.

Directions

  1. 1

    Gather all ingredients.

    Step 1
  2. 2

    Stir together shallot, vinegar, mustard, pepper, salt, and 1/4 cup of the pickle brine in a large bowl; set aside for 15 minutes until flavors meld.

    Step 2
  3. 3

    Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high. Add pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about  2 minutes longer than the package directions for al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water until cool.

  4. 4

    Stir mayonnaise and sour cream into shallot mixture. Fold in Havarti cheese, celery, dill, ranch seasoning, cooked pasta, and remaining 2 cups chopped pickles. Garnish with fresh dill.

    Step 4
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
+3

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

4.4(9)35 min12 servings

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Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Excellent

Based on 9 ratings

southernliving.com
4.4(9 reviews)
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About this Recipe

Tired of the same old boring pasta salad? This Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is here to revolutionize your backyard barbecue, delivering a creamy, briney, and utterly addictive side dish that’s anything but ordinary. If you live for the tangy crunch of a good pickle, prepare to meet your new favorite recipe.

Why This Recipe Works

What sets this pasta salad apart is its unapologetic dedication to dill pickle flavor. It's a symphony of pickle goodness, starring not just chopped dill pickles, but also dill Havarti cheese, tangy pickle brine, and a generous amount of fresh dill. These layers create a cohesive, vibrant taste experience, ensuring every bite is bursting with that craveable pickle zest that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

What to Expect

Get ready for a pasta salad that’s truly unique. You'll experience a wonderfully creamy texture from the mayonnaise and sour cream dressing, perfectly coating tender orecchiette pasta. Each spoonful offers a delightful interplay of tangy pickle, savory dill Havarti, and the refreshing crunch of celery. The subtle heat from cracked black pepper and a hint of zing from whole grain mustard and ranch seasoning round out a flavor profile that’s bold, bright, and utterly delicious. This isn’t a delicate dish; it's a robust and flavorful side that truly celebrates the dill pickle.

Customization & Variations

Feel free to make this recipe your own. If dill Havarti isn't available, a sharp white cheddar or even a plain Havarti with extra fresh dill could work, though it won't be quite as dill-forward. For an added layer of flavor, consider a touch of onion powder in place of or in addition to the shallots. You could also experiment with different types of pasta, like elbow macaroni or rotini, if orecchiette isn't on hand.

Serving & Context

This Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is the ideal companion for any casual gathering, from summer potlucks to family dinners. It shines as a standout side dish alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or even as a light lunch. Serve it chilled for the best flavor and refreshing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions