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 (like Vidalia); ½ cup sliced green onion; 4 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (divided: 2 tablespoons for pasta, 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 about a bowl of this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe that just brightens up any meal. It’s zesty, cheesy, and packed with fresh dill, making it a total crowd-pleaser that I always find myself coming back to.

A white bowl filled with a creamy pasta salad, showing three main layers: the bottom layer has twisted pasta pieces in a light cream sauce, the middle layer contains small green pickles sliced in rounds mixed throughout, and the top layer has orange cubes of cheese scattered. Two whole whole pickles sit on top as a garnish. The white marbled surface under the bowl adds a clean look. 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

Honestly, this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe is one of those unexpected delights that I whip up when I want something easy but packed with personality. Once you taste that tangy pickle flavor blended with creamy dressing and sharp cheddar, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite.

Bold and tangy flavor: The dill pickles and pickle juice give this salad a bright punch that makes every bite exciting.
Perfectly creamy: A balance of mayonnaise and sour cream creates a smooth, luscious dressing that coats the pasta beautifully.
Crunchy and fresh: Fresh dill and crisp onions add a refreshing texture contrast that keeps it feeling light.
Versatile and easy: It’s a no-fuss pasta salad that’s great for potlucks, picnics, or just a weeknight side you want to jazz up fast.

A white bowl filled with creamy pasta salad showing three layers: the bottom layer of twisted rotini pasta coated in a thick creamy dressing, the middle layer of light orange cheese cubes and sliced green pickles, and the top layer sprinkled with small green herb sprigs and a light dusting of seasoning. A pale pink spoon is scooping a portion from the bowl, highlighting the creamy texture of the pasta and the brightness of the cheese and pickles. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a blurred second bowl in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe is all in the way the ingredients work together — creamy dressing, tangy pickles, sharp cheese, and fresh herbs all come together in a way that’s bright but comforting. I like using rotini because the shape holds onto the dressing nicely.

Flat lay of twisted rotini pasta, bright green baby dill pickles sliced thin, cubes of sharp cheddar cheese in rich orange-yellow, finely chopped sweet yellow onion, sliced fresh green onions, and sprigs of vibrant fresh dill, all beautifully arranged in a natural, colorful spread placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Rotini pasta: Its spirals catch the dressing, making each bite flavorful.
Dill pickles: Opt for crisp baby dill pickles for the right tang and crunch without overpowering.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a rich, savory depth that pairs perfectly with pickles.
Sweet yellow onion: Provides a mellow bite without being too harsh.
Green onion: Adds freshness and a mild, oniony pop.
Fresh dill: Pure dill flavor boosts the salad's brightness and aroma.
Mayonnaise and sour cream: Together, they create a creamy, tangy dressing that’s not too heavy.
Dill pickle juice: The secret ingredient that amps up all the dill and pickle notes.
Onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper: These seasonings create a balanced flavor base.
Chipotle powder: Adds a subtle smoky kick that keeps things interesting.

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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

One of the things I love about this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Whether you’re adding a little extra crunch or dialing up the spice, there’s plenty of room to make it yours.

Variation: I sometimes toss in crumbled cooked bacon for a smoky crispness that really rounds out the flavors.
Dietary switches: For a lighter version, swap sour cream with Greek yogurt and use avocado mayo.
Herb swap: Try substituting fresh parsley for dill if that’s what you have on hand — it gives a different but tasty fresh note.

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

Step 1: Cook the pasta perfectly

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook it uncovered until it’s al dente — usually around 8–10 minutes, but keep an eye on the package instructions. You want it tender but firm enough to hold up in the salad, not mushy. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and immediately rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools the pasta for the salad. Let it drain thoroughly before putting it in your big mixing bowl.

Step 2: Toss in fresh add-ins

Now stir in the sliced baby dill pickles, diced sharp cheddar, chopped sweet yellow onion, sliced green onion, and half of the fresh dill. I love how the cheese melts just a little against the warm pasta if you add it quickly, but you want enough cooling time so the salad doesn’t get soggy.

Step 3: Whisk the dressing to creamy perfection

In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, dill pickle juice, onion powder, remaining fresh dill, kosher salt, cracked black pepper, and chipotle powder. Whisk it all together until smooth and creamy. The pickle juice adds that stellar tang and ties all the flavors together.

Step 4: Combine and chill

Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and stir until everything is well coated. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least an hour. This resting time lets the flavors meld beautifully — trust me, it tastes so much better after that.

Top Tip

Over the years of making this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe, I’ve learned a few tricks that keep it tasting fresh and vibrant every single time. These tips saved me from soggy disappointment more than once!

Cool the pasta completely: Adding dressing to warm pasta makes it absorb too much and can turn your salad mushy. Let the pasta chill and dry well before combining.
Pickles matter: Avoid sweet pickles — baby dill or garlic dills work best for that sharp, savory zip that defines the salad.
Chipotle powder moderation: Start small with the chipotle — its smoky heat sneaks up on you faster than you’d expect!
Fresh herbs at the end: If you want your dill to be super fresh, add a pinch just before serving on top as a garnish rather than mixing completely in the salad.

How to Serve Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra fresh chopped dill or parsley on top just before serving. Sometimes I toss in some crumbled cooked bacon for a salty crunch. A few cracked black peppercorns finished on top add a nice touch too.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs perfectly with grilled meats — think barbecue chicken or juicy burgers. I’ve also served it alongside sandwiches or even as a hearty side with roasted veggies for a summer cookout.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to serve this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe in individual mason jars. It looks charming and keeps the salad fresh. You can also make a layered trifle-style pasta salad in a large glass bowl with fresh dill and cheddar chunks visible for a colorful display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3–4 days, but note that the dressing may thicken and the pasta might soak up some dressing. Just give it a good stir before serving and add a splash of pickle juice or a spoonful of mayo or sour cream if it feels dry.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe because the mayo-based dressing and fresh ingredients don’t freeze well and can separate or become grainy after thawing.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t ideal. If you want to enjoy it after chilling, just take it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to let it soften slightly for the best flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta for this salad?

Absolutely! While rotini is great for catching dressing, penne or fusilli work just as well. Just be sure to cook them al dente so they hold their shape in the salad.

What pickles are best for this recipe?

I recommend baby dill pickles or garlic dill pickles rather than sweet pickles. The tangy, savory flavor really makes the salad pop and balances the creamy dressing.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, chilling the salad for at least an hour helps the flavors to meld beautifully. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

How long does the salad keep in the fridge?

It stays fresh for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container. Remember to stir well before serving and refresh with a splash of pickle juice or extra mayo if needed.

Final Thoughts

This Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe has become one of those go-to dishes in my kitchen for how effortlessly it impresses with bold flavors and satisfying textures. I hope you’ll find it just as fun and rewarding to make as I do. Next time you’re looking for a pasta salad with a little quirky oomph, give this one a try — it’s like a hug in a bowl with an unexpected, tangy twist that you’ll want to share again and again.