Name: The BEST Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box (16 oz) rotini pasta; 1/3 cup dill pickle juice from the pickle jar; 2 cups chopped baby dill pickles; 1 block (8 oz) Colby Jack cheese, cubed small; 1 small white onion, finely chopped; 1 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/3 cup dill pickle juice from the pickle jar; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (or 1 tablespoon dried dill); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 7 reviews

Meet your next potluck superstar: The BEST Dill Pickle Pasta Salad! Mouthwatering, tangy, and irresistibly creamy, this chilled pasta salad is overflowing with crunch from baby dill pickles, pops of color from Colby Jack cheese, and the unmistakable punch of real dill in a luscious dressing. Whether you’re a dill devotee or someone looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing side, this recipe delivers everything you crave in a pasta salad—vivid flavors, bold personality, and that wonderful make-ahead magic for easy entertaining!

The BEST Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every spoonful of this salad is proof that with just a handful of simple, staple ingredients, you can create something wildly memorable. Each element plays a key role in building layers of flavor, crunch, and pure dill pickle bliss—so don’t skip or skimp! Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll love it:

Rotini Pasta (16 oz): Those spirals trap the tangy dressing perfectly, giving you maximum flavor in every bite.
Dill Pickle Juice (1/3 cup, plus 1/3 cup for the dressing): This brine amps up the pickle zing and infuses the pasta with a unique depth.
Chopped Baby Dill Pickles (2 cups): Crunchy, juicy, and boldly flavored—these are the scene stealers of this salad.
Colby Jack Cheese (8 oz, cubed small): Creamy and mildly sharp, these cubes offer a gorgeous marbled look and rich mouthfeel.
Small White Onion (finely chopped): For a gentle bite and fresh, aromatic lift that balances the richness.
Mayonnaise (1 cup): The creamy cornerstone of a dreamy salad dressing that binds every ingredient together.
Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Adds tang and silkiness to the dressing, making it utterly scoopable.
Fresh Dill (2 tbsp, or 1 tbsp dried): Fresh is best for bright, herby notes, but dried works in a pinch to deepen the dill vibes.
Salt (1/4 tsp): Just enough to pull all the flavors together without overshadowing the stars of the show.
Pepper (1/4 tsp): A light kick that rounds out the flavors and livens up each forkful.

How to Make The BEST Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then toss in your rotini. Cook according to the package directions until perfectly al dente—don’t let it get mushy! Once cooked, drain well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the noodles down fast. This step keeps the salad refreshingly crisp, even after a day in the fridge.

Step 2: Marinate the Pasta

Here’s where the magic begins: transfer the cooled rotini to a mixing bowl and immediately pour 1/3 cup of that bold dill pickle juice right over the top. Gently stir it in and let the pasta soak while you prep the other ingredients. This infuses every twist of pasta with extra tang and character.

Step 3: Prep the Mix-Ins

Dice your baby dill pickles into tempting little chunks, then cube the Colby Jack cheese for delightful bites. Finely chop the white onion for that signature punch, too. The secret is uniform, small pieces so each forkful gets a bit of everything—crunch, creaminess, and kick!

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Add-Ins

Drain any excess pickle juice from your marinated pasta. Add back into your mixing bowl, then toss in the diced pickles, cheese cubes, and onion. Fold everything together gently so the mix stays pretty and every flavor finds its place.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Dill Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, another 1/3 cup of dill pickle juice (yes, seriously!), fresh chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Whip it until smooth and luscious—the aroma will make your mouth water! This is the dressing that turns your pasta salad into The BEST Dill Pickle Pasta Salad.

Step 6: Dress and Chill

Pour that beautiful dressing all over your pasta mixture. Gently stir until every nook and cranny is coated in creamy, herby goodness. Now, the hardest part: pop the bowl in the fridge for at least 1–2 hours. This chilling step is key for melding all those layers into the signature, crave-worthy flavor The BEST Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is famous for!

How to Serve The BEST Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Garnishes

This salad gets even prettier (and tastier) with just a touch of flair at serving time. Sprinkle extra freshly chopped dill on top, add a few sliced baby pickles for visual pop, and finish with a crack of black pepper for a little drama. These little touches make The BEST Dill Pickle Pasta Salad totally irresistible on any table.

Side Dishes

This salad shines alongside classic summertime favorites—think grilled burgers, veggie dogs, or barbecue chicken. It also loves hanging out with baked beans, corn on the cob, and even crisp potato chips for extra crunch. The creamy, tangy profile is a perfect foil for almost any picnic spread!

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress? Serve it in individual mason jars or small glasses for a portable party snack, or layer it in a trifle bowl to show off those colors and textures. For a fun appetizer twist, scoop portions onto lettuce leaves or into mini bell peppers for a crisp, edible serving cup. However you dish it up, The BEST Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is always the star.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers? Lucky you! Transfer any extra salad to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen and intensify overnight, meaning tomorrow’s lunch will be even more exciting. Enjoy within 3–4 days for peak freshness and crunch.

Freezing

Freezing creamy pasta salads is not recommended—the dressing tends to separate and the texture of the pasta suffers. For best results, enjoy The BEST Dill Pickle Pasta Salad fresh from the fridge. If you must prepare ultra-ahead, you can freeze just the undressed pasta and mix-ins, but always dress right before serving.

Reheating

This salad is designed to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, making it an effortless option for outdoor gatherings and meal prep. No reheating necessary! If the salad thickens in the fridge, simply stir in a splash of milk or pickle juice to loosen it back up before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While rotini does a stellar job at catching all the dressing and diced goodies, other short shapes like penne, fusilli, or bowtie pasta also work beautifully. Just aim for something with grooves or ridges for the best texture and flavor absorption.

What kind of pickles should I use?

Baby dill pickles are highly recommended for their classic flavor and satisfying crunch, but regular dill pickles cut into small pieces will also do the trick. For a sweet and tangy twist, try bread and butter pickles, though they will slightly change the flavor profile of The BEST Dill Pickle Pasta Salad.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite dairy-free mayonnaise and sour cream, and swap in a dairy-free cheese alternative (or simply leave the cheese out for a lighter take). The salad will retain all its punchy dill flavor and creamy appeal.

How can I intensify the dill flavor?

If you’re a dill fanatic, go ahead and add a bit of extra fresh chopped dill right into the salad or sprinkle some on top just before serving. You can also splash in a little more pickle juice to dial up the signature zing of The BEST Dill Pickle Pasta Salad even further!

Is it safe to make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, and it’s actually encouraged! A few hours in the fridge allows the flavors to meld and become even more pronounced. Just stir well before serving, and add a fresh sprinkle of dill for brightness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that’s bold, unique, and a guaranteed conversation starter, run—don’t walk—to try The BEST Dill Pickle Pasta Salad. It’s a simple recipe with showstopping flavor that brings everyone back for seconds. Give it a go at your next gathering and get ready to share the recipe with friends, because this one is too good to keep a secret!