Pin It Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is a vibrant and tangy side dish that brings a refreshing twist to the traditional picnic pasta salad. This American classic features tender ditalini pasta, crisp dill pickles, and sweet peas, all brought together by a zesty, creamy dressing that is perfect for spring gatherings and backyard potlucks.
Pin It This recipe balances the creaminess of mayonnaise and sour cream with the sharpness of Dijon mustard and garlic powder. It is a crowd-pleasing vegetarian option that is as visually appealing as it is delicious, thanks to the bright green peas and fresh dill garnish.
Ingredients
- Pasta & Vegetables
- 2 cups (about 225 g) ditalini pasta, uncooked
- 1 cup (150 g) dill pickles, diced
- 1 cup (140 g) frozen peas, thawed
- 1/2 cup (60 g) celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup (30 g) red onion, finely diced
- Dressing
- 1/2 cup (120 g) mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup (60 g) sour cream
- 2 tablespoons pickle juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Cook the ditalini pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
- Step 2
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced dill pickles, peas, celery, and red onion.
- Step 3
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, Dijon mustard, dill, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until smooth.
- Step 4
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Step 5
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Step 6
- Before serving, stir the salad and garnish with additional fresh dill if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best results, use a whisk to blend the dressing ingredients into a perfectly smooth sauce. It is essential to use a large pot for the pasta and a colander for rinsing, as cooling the pasta completely before mixing prevents the dressing from thinning out. Don't skip the chilling step, as it allows the ingredients to absorb the tangy dressing.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a lighter version of this salad, you can swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt. If you prefer more of a kick, add chopped pickled jalapeños or an extra splash of white vinegar to the dressing. You can also experiment with different pasta shapes if ditalini is not available, though smaller shapes work best to match the size of the peas and pickles.
Serviervorschläge
This salad is best served chilled and makes a fantastic accompaniment to grilled chicken, burgers, or fresh sandwiches. It is a reliable make-ahead dish that can be prepared a day in advance, making it the perfect stress-free addition to your next picnic or family meal.
Pin It Whether you are a die-hard pickle fan or just looking for a refreshing new side dish, this Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Its simple preparation and bold taste make it a staple for any warm-weather gathering.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad actually benefits from being made a day ahead. The flavors meld together beautifully when refrigerated overnight, making it perfect for meal prep and entertaining.
- → What type of pasta works best?
Ditalini pasta is ideal due to its small, tube-like shape that captures the dressing perfectly. Small shells or elbow pasta are excellent alternatives if ditalini isn't available.
- → How can I make this lighter?
Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to reduce fat content while maintaining creaminess. You can also use reduced-fat mayonnaise without sacrificing flavor.
- → What additions increase the tang?
For extra tanginess, add chopped pickled jalapeños, a splash of white vinegar, or increase the pickle juice in the dressing. These additions complement the dill flavors beautifully.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarian diets?
Yes, this dish is completely vegetarian. It's naturally meatless and contains no animal products except for the dairy in the mayonnaise and sour cream.
- → How long does it stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this salad keeps well for 3-4 days. The pasta may absorb more dressing over time, so you may need to add a splash of sour cream when serving.