Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

This Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is a vibrant and tangy dish that brings together the classic flavors of a deli pickle with the comforting texture of ditalini pasta. Perfect for spring picnics and backyard potlucks, this easy-to-make side dish features crunchy pickles, sweet peas, and a zesty, creamy dressing that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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Whether you're hosting a spring gathering or looking for a refreshing lunch, this pasta salad delivers a satisfying crunch in every bite. The ditalini shape is specifically chosen to catch bits of the creamy dressing and finely diced vegetables, ensuring a balanced flavor in every single spoonful.

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

This salad is best served chilled to maintain its refreshing character. For the best results, ensure the pasta is completely cooled before mixing with the dressing to prevent the sauce from thinning. This dish can conveniently be made a day ahead.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For extra tang, consider adding chopped pickled jalapeños or a splash of white vinegar. For a lighter version of the dressing, you can swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt without losing the creamy consistency.

Serviervorschläge

Pair this Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad with grilled chicken or hearty sandwiches for a complete picnic meal. Its tangy profile also makes it a great accompaniment to BBQ staples like burgers or hot dogs.

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Enjoy this delightful twist on a classic pasta salad. With its perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures, it is sure to become a staple in your spring and summer recipe rotation.

Recipe FAQs

→ How long should I chill the pasta salad before serving?

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld properly. The salad tastes even better when made a day ahead, giving the tangy dressing time to permeate the pasta and vegetables.

→ Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad actually improves with time and can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator and give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

→ What pasta shapes work best for this dish?

Ditalini is ideal because its small tubes catch the creamy dressing, but you can substitute with small shells, elbow macaroni, or rotini. Choose shapes with nooks and crannies that hold onto the zesty dressing well.

→ How can I adjust the tanginess level?

Add extra pickle juice or a splash of white vinegar for more tang. For milder flavor, reduce the pickle juice slightly or use sweet pickles instead of dill. Chopped pickled jalapeños will add both heat and acidity.

→ Is there a lighter version of the creamy dressing?

Swap sour cream for plain Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creaminess. You can also use light mayonnaise or increase the ratio of yogurt to mayonnaise for a lighter but still satisfying dressing.

→ What proteins pair well with this pasta salad?

Grilled chicken, baked salmon, or ham complement the tangy flavors beautifully. It's also excellent alongside sandwiches at picnics or served as a side with roasted vegetables for a vegetarian meal.