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Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

creamy dill pickle pasta salad - featured image
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A fresh, tangy, and creamy pasta salad featuring dill pickles and a flavorful dressing, perfect for summer barbecues and picnics.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) elbow macaroni pasta
  • 1 cup (240ml) mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) dill pickle juice
  • 1 cup (150g) diced dill pickles
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/3 cup (50g) finely chopped celery
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
  • Salt to taste (about 1/4 teaspoon)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the noodles. Let it drain well.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup (240ml) mayonnaise, 1/4 cup (60ml) dill pickle juice, 2 tablespoons yellow mustard, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (if using). Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  4. Stir in 1 cup (150g) diced dill pickles, 1/3 cup (50g) finely chopped celery, and 2 tablespoons fresh dill.
  5. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing and gently fold everything together, ensuring even coating without overmixing.
  6. Taste and add salt as needed (start with 1/4 teaspoon). Adjust tanginess with more pickle juice or vinegar if desired.
  7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Overnight chilling is best.
  8. Before serving, gently stir the salad. If too thick, loosen with a splash of milk or pickle juice.

Notes

Rinse pasta thoroughly after cooking to prevent mushiness and clumping. Toss pasta with a teaspoon of oil after rinsing if preparing ahead. Adjust tanginess gradually by adding pickle juice or vinegar to taste. Fresh dill is preferred over dried for best flavor. Salad improves after chilling for several hours or overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, dill pickle, creamy pasta salad, summer side dish, picnic recipe, barbecue side, easy pasta salad

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/creamy-dill-pickle-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-fresh-summer-side/