You either love dill pickles or you don’t. If you’re like us and you love the crisp dill pickle flavor, then this easy side salad recipe is for you!
Our easy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is quick to make and is bursting with flavor. The soft pasta and cheese paired with the crunchy pickles, vegetables and bacon make this a satisfying salad to pair with any picnic meal.
Because this salad can be made ahead of time, this is a great recipe to make to bring to the campsite or for travel day meals.
Crunchy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Yields: 12 one-cup servings
Prep: 30 minutes
Chill time: 2 Hours
To get the dill pickle juice, drain the juice from the pickle jar and set aside.
Ingredients
- 1 box rotini noodles (16 oz.)
- 2 cups diced dill pickles
- ⅓ cup dill pickle juice
- 8 oz cubed colby jack cheese
- 1 small white onion diced
- 1 small red onion diced
- ¾ cup celery diced
- ¼ cup real bacon bits
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 cup mayo
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup dill pickle juice
- 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh dill (or 1 Tablespoon dried dill)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
Directions
Cook the pasta according to the box directions. Strain and rinse with cold water.
Add the pasta to a large mixing bowl. Pour ⅓ cup pickle juice over the pasta and mix together. Let sit for at least 5 minutes.
Finely dice the dill pickles, cheese, celery, and onions.
Combine all of the ingredients for the salad dressing in a small bowl and mix or whisk together. Set aside.
Drain the pickle juice off of the pasta and the place the pasta back in the mixing bowl.
Toss all of the chopped ingredients and bacon bits in with the pasta and stir until well combined.
Pour the dressing over the pasta and stir well.
Chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
To Store: Put in an air-tight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Helpful Tips
- Change up the flavor by using pepper jack cheese or provolone in place of Colby jack cheese.
- Macaroni or penne pasta may be used instead of rotini noodles.
- This dish can be prepared 24 hours in advance, making it a great option for picnics, BBQ’s, and potlucks.
- The smoked paprika really compliments this dish and gives it just a hint of smokiness. It works well alongside burgers or hot dogs.
- Consider mixing in shredded chicken or ham to make this a meal on its own.
Save this recipe to Pinterest to save for later!
Our Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is a great side to serve with lunches or dinners. See these side salad ideas, too: