Dill Pickle Pasta Salad 🥗🥒

This tangy and refreshing Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is the perfect side dish for barbecues, picnics, or any gathering where you want to impress your family and friends! It's a fun twist on traditional pasta salads, combining the crunch of pickles with creamy dressing and flavorful herbs. The bright flavors will leave everyone coming back for seconds!

Ingredients

For the salad

• 8 oz (about 2 cups) rotini or fusilli pasta
• 1 cup dill pickles, diced (plus extra for garnish)
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped

For the dressing

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 2 tablespoons pickle juice (from the jar)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta and stop the cooking process.

2. Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

3. Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced pickles, red onion, celery, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and fresh dill.

4. Add the dressing: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine, ensuring that everything is evenly coated.

5. Chill: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

6. Serve: Before serving, give it a good stir and garnish with extra diced pickles and fresh dill if desired.

🥄 This salad can be made a day in advance, which makes it great for meal prepping or last-minute party preparations. Just give it a stir before serving!

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a tablespoon of diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a zesty kick! 🌶️
• Herbal Twist: Mix in some chopped chives or parsley for an added layer of flavor.
• Vegan: Substitute the mayonnaise and yogurt with vegan mayo and plant-based yogurt for a dairy-free version. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy! 🌱
• Grains: Swap the pasta for quinoa or couscous for a gluten-free option.

This Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the unique flavors that will brighten up any meal! 🍽️🥒