Print

Flavorful Pickle Lovers Dill Pasta Salad Recipe with Cheddar Cubes

pickle lovers dill pasta salad - featured image

A tangy and refreshing pasta salad combining dill pickles, sharp cheddar cubes, and fresh dill, perfect for summer picnics and BBQs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
  • 1 cup diced kosher dill pickles
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese cubes (about 4 ounces)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons pickle juice
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of elbow macaroni or rotini and cook according to package instructions, usually 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool down. Set aside to drain completely.
  2. While the pasta cooks, dice 1 cup of kosher dill pickles, finely chop 2 tablespoons of fresh dill, and if using, finely dice 1/4 cup red onion. Cube about 4 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons pickle juice, and 1 tablespoon yellow mustard. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  4. Add the cooled pasta, diced pickles, cheddar cubes, fresh dill, and red onion (if using) to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat evenly.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or pickle juice if desired. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
  6. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and optionally sprinkle extra fresh dill on top.

Notes

Make sure pasta is well drained and cooled before mixing to prevent watery dressing. Use kosher dill pickles for best flavor. Fresh dill is preferred but dried dill can be substituted (use 1 teaspoon). Chill salad for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best flavor. Toss gently to avoid breaking cheese cubes or mashing pickles.

Nutrition

Keywords: pickle pasta salad, dill pasta salad, cheddar pasta salad, summer salad, picnic salad, easy pasta salad, dill pickle recipe