Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Absolutely, and you should. It actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours. Just give it a quick stir before serving and add a splash of pickle juice if the pasta has soaked up too much dressing.

What kind of pickles work best?

Baby dill pickles are ideal for their crunch and flavor, but any dill pickle will work. Just avoid overly soft or bread-and-butter styles — you want that sharp tang, not sweetness (unless you're deliberately going for a sweet-savory mix).

How long does it last in the fridge?

This pasta salad stays fresh for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. The flavors deepen over time, but the pasta may soften slightly by day three.

Can I freeze dill pickle pasta salad?

Not recommended. The mayo-based dressing and pickles don’t freeze well — the texture turns watery and mushy after thawing. Stick to fridge storage.

Is there a way to make this more filling?

Totally. Add shredded chicken, cubed turkey, or even chickpeas for a protein bump. Just don’t overload it or you’ll drown out the pickle magic.

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe | Easy & Creamy Favorite

Easy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe for Pickle Lovers

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This dill pickle pasta salad recipe is creamy, tangy, and loaded with real dill flavor. A bold, make-ahead side perfect for picnics, potlucks, or weekday lunches.

Author: Emily Parker
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Boiled
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups medium shell pasta
¾ cup sliced dill pickles
⅔ cup diced cheddar cheese
3 tbsp minced white onion
2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
½ cup pickle juice
⅔ cup mayonnaise
⅓ cup sour cream
⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
4 tbsp dill pickle juice
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Boil the pasta until al dente. Rinse with cold water.
2. Toss pasta with ½ cup pickle juice. Let sit for 5 minutes. Drain.
3. Mix mayonnaise, sour cream, cayenne, and 4 tbsp pickle juice. Season with salt and pepper.
4. In a large bowl, combine pasta, pickles, cheese, onion, and dill.
5. Pour dressing over the top and gently mix to combine.
6. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

Use baby dill pickles for maximum crunch and visual appeal.

Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a lighter version.

Tastes even better the next day after chilling overnight.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 296
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 636mg
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 23g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 22mg

Find it online: https://www.flavourrecipe.com/dill-pickle-pasta-salad-recipe/