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Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Section: Perfect Side Dishes to Complete Any Meal

This tangy, creamy dill-pickle pasta dish combines whole-wheat rotini with fresh vegetables like celery, red bell pepper, and red onion. A smooth dressing of Greek yogurt, mayo, and pickle juice delivers bold, zesty flavor, while hot sauce adds optional heat. Finished with fresh dill, this salad works equally well as a side or a light entrée—just add tuna or chicken. Great for picnics, potlucks, or backyard grilling sessions, it can be made ahead and chilled for extra refreshment.

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Published By Ioana
Updated on Sun, 03 Aug 2025 13:32:13 GMT
A bowl of pasta salad with dill pickles and creamy dill dressing. Bookmark
A bowl of pasta salad with dill pickles and creamy dill dressing. | ioanacooks.com

This dill-pickle pasta salad with creamy dill dressing delivers a fresh and tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with grilled foods or makes a satisfying picnic side. The blend of dill pickles, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy dressing brings a lively contrast to the nutty whole-wheat rotini pasta.

I first made this on a summer afternoon when friends stopped by unexpectedly. It quickly became a favorite because it is light but filling and full of flavor.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces whole-wheat rotini pasta: which provides a hearty texture and fiber for fullness
  • 1/3 cup full-fat mayonnaise: for a rich and creamy dressing base
  • 1/3 cup whole-milk plain Greek yogurt or sour cream: adds tanginess and creaminess
  • 3 tablespoons pickle juice: from the jar brings that signature dill-pickle brightness
  • 1 to 3 teaspoons hot sauce: such as Frank’s for adjustable heat that livens the salad
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt: to balance flavors
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: for mild spice
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced celery: for crunch and hydration
  • 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper: for sweetness and vitamin C
  • 1/2 cup chopped dill pickles: as the star ingredient with tang and texture
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion: for sharpness and color
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill: for fresh herbal notes

When selecting ingredients look for crisp vegetables and high-quality mayonnaise for best flavor.

A bowl of pasta salad with dill and pickles. Bookmark
A bowl of pasta salad with dill and pickles. | ioanacooks.com

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add whole-wheat rotini and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta for salad.
Prepare the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or sour cream, pickle juice, hot sauce to taste, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
Combine the Salad:
Add celery, red bell pepper, dill pickles, red onion, fresh dill, and the cooled pasta to the dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly coated with the creamy dill dressing.
Rest Before Serving:
Allow the salad to rest for at least 10 minutes in the refrigerator to let flavors meld. Stir once or twice during this time to redistribute the dressing evenly.

My favorite ingredient is the dill pickle which gives the salad its signature flavor. I remember making this for a family picnic and everyone kept going back for more because of the perfect balance of creamy and tangy with a little crunch.

Storage Tips

Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best freshness keep the dressing separate and combine just before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use half whole-wheat and half regular pasta if you prefer a milder pasta flavor. Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt depending on what you have on hand. Use cucumbers instead of pickles for a lower sodium option.

Serving Suggestions

Pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, burgers, or roasted vegetables. Also makes a great filling for wraps or served atop leafy greens for a light lunch.

Cultural Context

Pasta salads are a staple in American cookouts and picnics. This recipe highlights dill pickles, a classic ingredient in many Midwestern and Southern dishes, giving it a uniquely tangy twist.

A dill-pickle pasta salad with creamy dill dressing. Bookmark
A dill-pickle pasta salad with creamy dill dressing. | ioanacooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, use pasta with nooks like fusilli, cavatappi, or bow tie to hold the dressing well.

→ How long does this dish keep in the fridge?

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep dressing separate for best texture.

→ Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of your favorite hot sauce to adjust the heat level to your liking.

→ What can I add to make it a main dish?

Add canned tuna, shredded chicken, or even chickpeas for added protein and satiety.

→ Is it better served warm or cold?

It’s best chilled. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving for peak flavor and texture.

→ Can I substitute the mayo or yogurt?

Yes, use all Greek yogurt for a lighter version or all mayo for a richer, tangier flavor.

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Tangy pickles, creamy dressing, and crunchy veggies tossed with whole-wheat pasta for a bold, fresh flavor.

Time Needed to Prep
20 minutes
Cooking Duration
10 minutes
Overall Time
30 minutes
Published By: Ioana

Category of Recipe: Side Dishes

Preparation Difficulty: Easy to Make

Type of Cuisine: American

Number of Portions: 7 How Many It Serves (7 servings)

Dietary Preferences: Low-Carb Friendly, Made for Vegetarians

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Pasta and Dressing

Ingredient 01 8 oz whole-wheat rotini pasta
Ingredient 02 1/3 cup full-fat mayonnaise
Ingredient 03 1/3 cup whole-milk plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
Ingredient 04 3 tbsp dill pickle juice
Ingredient 05 1 to 3 tsp hot sauce, such as Frank’s
Ingredient 06 1/4 tsp salt
Ingredient 07 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

→ Vegetables and Herbs

Ingredient 08 1/2 cup thinly sliced celery
Ingredient 09 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
Ingredient 10 1/2 cup chopped dill pickles
Ingredient 11 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
Ingredient 12 3 tbsp chopped fresh dill

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.

Step 02

In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or sour cream, pickle juice, hot sauce to taste, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 03

Add celery, bell pepper, dill pickles, red onion, fresh dill, and cooked pasta to the dressing. Toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients.

Step 04

Let salad sit for at least 10 minutes before serving, stirring once or twice to redistribute dressing.

Extra Tips

  1. Use pasta shapes with ridges or spirals, like rotini, to better hold the creamy dressing.
  2. For enhanced flavor, refrigerate the salad for a couple of hours before serving.
  3. To extend freshness, store dressing separately and mix just before serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large saucepan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Information

Carefully check food labels for allergens and consult an expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains eggs (mayonnaise)
  • Contains dairy (Greek yogurt or sour cream)
  • May contain gluten (whole-wheat pasta)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, these values are for guidance only and shouldn't replace advice from a professional.
  • Calories Per Serving: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Carbohydrate Amount: ~
  • Protein Amount: ~