Dill Pickle Pasta Salad A creamy, tangy, and crunchy pasta salad featuring rotini pasta, cheddar cheese, and dill pickles, all tossed in a flavorful ranch dressing mix—a perfect side dish!
Ingredients
12 oz rotini pasta
8 oz medium cheddar cheese, diced
2 cups dill pickles, diced
1 packet ranch dressing mix
1 cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, then set aside to cool.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced cheddar cheese, and diced dill pickles.
In a separate bowl, mix the ranch dressing packet with the mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth and well combined.
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until evenly coated.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Give the pasta salad a good stir before serving. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if desired.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 5 servings
Variations
Add protein: For a heartier version, try adding diced chicken, bacon, or even tuna to the salad.
Spicy kick: Mix in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce if you like a spicy twist.
Different pickles: You can swap the dill pickles for bread-and-butter pickles if you prefer a sweeter version.
Vegan option: Substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan alternatives like cashew cream or plant-based mayo for a vegan-friendly version.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Keep any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 days.
Reheating: This dish is best enjoyed cold, so there's no need to reheat it. Just give it a good stir and it will be ready to serve again.
FAQs
How can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
I recommend making the pasta salad a few hours ahead of time or even the night before. The flavors will have more time to meld and develop, making it even tastier.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini works perfectly, you can use any short pasta, like penne, elbow macaroni, or fusilli.
Is this pasta salad gluten-free?
No, this recipe is not gluten-free since it uses rotini pasta, which contains gluten. However, you can use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of this dish.
Can I use a homemade ranch dressing instead of a packet?
Yes, you can! If you prefer homemade ranch, just mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, and your favorite ranch seasonings to taste.
Can I make this pasta salad without sour cream?
Yes, if you're not a fan of sour cream or want a lighter version, you can replace it with more mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a tangy alternative.
Conclusion
This Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and crunchy flavors. It’s easy to prepare, full of flavor, and can be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue or making it for a weeknight dinner, it’s sure to be a hit!
Recipe:
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and tangy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad made with rotini pasta, cheddar cheese, and crunchy dill pickles, all coated in a delicious ranch dressing. This easy-to-make side dish is perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or barbecues. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
12 oz rotini pasta
8 oz medium cheddar cheese, diced
2 cups dill pickles, diced
1 packet ranch dressing mix
1 cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
Instructions
-
Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced cheddar cheese, and diced dill pickles.
-
In a separate bowl, mix the ranch dressing packet with the mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth and well combined.
-
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until evenly coated.
-
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
-
Stir the pasta salad well before serving and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if desired.
Notes
For a protein boost, add diced chicken, bacon, or tuna.
For a spicy twist, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Use bread-and-butter pickles for a sweeter version.
To make it vegan, substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with plant-based alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side dish
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 servings
- Calories: 380 kcal
