Are you a dill pickle fan? This creamy pasta salad recipe is for you! Our delicious Dill Pickle Pasta Salad recipe is packed with dill pickle flavor. It's one of these easy recipes that can be a delicious everyday side dish or the hit on a buffet table.
Tender pasta, crunchy dill pickles, sweet apple, and crunchy onions are tossed in a creamy dill pickle dressing.
The first time I tried this dish was during a summer barbecue. And it was love at first bite!
Once I learned how easy it is to make this pasta salad, it became one of my go-to potluck and party recipes. Over the years, I've adjusted the recipe. Experiment with yellow onion instead of red. And sometimes, I add a cup of cubed Cheddar cheese or Colby Jack cheese.
This is the version of the recipe my family loves best. The combination of juicy sweet and sour pickle, green apple, and crunchy red onion is simple, and it just works.
Why This Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe Works
FLAVOR - The combination of tangy dill pickles, green apple, and savory red onion, along with the creamy and tangy dressing, creates a delicious flavors that is both refreshing and satisfying.
TEXTURE - The combination of cooked pasta, diced dill pickles, and eggs creates a variety of textures that are both soft and crunchy. This adds interest and keeps the salad from being too one-note.
EASE - This salad is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need to bring a dish to a gathering, picnic, or potluck.
CUSTOMIZE - This salad is very versatile and can be served as a perfect side dish, a main course, or even as a snack. It is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any other occasion. You can also experiment with other ingredients such as tomato (tip: try cherry tomatoes), ham, peppers.
Ingredients
PASTA - I used fusilli pasta, but any short type of pasta (such as penne, bowtie pasta, or elbow macaroni) will work, too.
DILL PICKLES - We'll dice 5-6 pickles and about half a cup of dill pickle juice (for the dressing.
APPLE - I like Granny Smith because they add a bit of tartness, but you can also use a sweeter apple such as a Gala, Fuji, or Mackintosh.
DILL - Fresh dill of course, is going to be a key ingredient. While dried herbs are great, for this salad, I strongly recommend using fresh herbs.
RED ONION - Adds crunch and provides a contrasting color. And as we know, we feast with our eyes as much as with our taste buds.
EGGS - Hard-boiled eggs add a boost of protein.
MAYONONNAISE - Use your favorite store-bought or homemade mayonnaise.
GREEK YOGURT - This adds a bit of tang to the dressing. If you prefer, you can also substitute the same amount of sour cream.
How To Make Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
- PASTA - Cook pasta according to package directions. Cook al dente. Rinse, drain, and set aside.
- DRESSING: Whisk mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, pickle juice, and dill until smooth. Set aside.
- SALAD - Combine chilled pasta, dill pickles, red onion, apple, and hard-boiled eggs in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad. Toss to combine.
Recipe Success Tips
This salad is simple to make and perfect if you need to feed a crowd in a hurry. The dressing couldn't be easier. Combine mayonnaise and Greek yogurt (or sour cream) and add the pickle juice from the jar.
The pickle juice is already well seasoned, and you probably won't need anything else to make this salad taste like a million bucks.
If you like, you can add a dash of salt and or garlic powder, but to be honest, I typically don't bother.
More Delicious Pasta Salad Recipe Ideas
Leftovers
You can store this pasta salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
When you're ready to eat the pasta salad again, remove it from the refrigerator and give it a good stir to redistribute the dressing and flavors.
TOOL TIP - For months I've been obsessed with the Rubbermaid Brilliance containers.
More Easy Salad Ideas
WARM GERMAN POTATO SALAD - Perfectly balanced with tangy vinegar, smoky bacon, and a touch of sweetness.
CHICKEN CURRY SALAD - bold flavors combined with tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and fragrant curry spices.
CREAMY GRAPE SALAD - Each bite is full of juicy sweetness.
BACON RANCH PASTA SALAD - A perfect blend of smoky bacon, zesty ranch dressing, and tender pasta.
ITALIAN PASTA SALAD - This vibrant and savory salad is loaded with perfectly cooked pasta, mozzarella, salami, fresh veggies, that are tossed in a zesty Italian dressing.
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 16 ounces pasta
- 5-6 large dill pickles diced
- 1 large green apple diced
- 1 medium red onion diced
- 3 large eggs hard-boiled, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- ½ cup pickle juice from the dill pickle jar
- ¼ cup dill fresh, chopped
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Add one tablespoon of salt to the boiling water. Cook al dente. Chill with cold water and drain. Set aside.
Dressing
- In a small bowl whisk mayonnais and Greek yogurt until smooth. Add pickle juice and chopped dill. Whisk till well combined. Set aside.
Pasta Salad
- Toss chilled pasta with the dill pickles, red onion, and hard-boiled eggs. Pour dressing over the pasta salad. Combine well and rest for 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Hi There, I’m Maike!
A German girl turned American sharing hundreds of easy, homemade comfort food recipes perfect for everyday cooking.
Nancy
Approximately how many cups of chopped dill pickles would this amount to?
Thanks
Maike
For me, it usually comes out to 1 1/2 cups. Sometimes two depending on which brand of pickles I pick up.
Nancy Vallereux
This was delicious! I made this for my husband’s family. They tiptoed around it and went straight for the Costco salad dressing. They had no desire to try something different. Not even a tiny portion. My neighbors were all thrilled that I had plenty to share with them. They absolutely loved it…as did my husband and I. I left the eggs out because I didn’t think they were absolutely necessary and I was tired. Thanks for the terrific recipe!!!!