Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe is a creamy and tangy recipe, which is made with diced dill pickles and cheddar cheese. It’s the perfect side dish for a potluck, ready in about 20 minutes, plus chilling time.
Pioneer Woman Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe Ingredients
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup pickle juice (from the jar)
- 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. salt
For the Pasta Salad:
- 1 lb. dried corkscrew pasta
- 2 1/2 cups diced dill pickles, plus more for garnish
- 2 cups diced cheddar cheese
- 2 Tbsp. fresh dill, plus more for garnish
How To Make Pioneer Woman Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, black pepper, and salt until the mixture is smooth. Set aside.
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted, boiling water according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down completely. Drain again thoroughly.
- Combine and chill: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced pickles, diced cheese, and fresh dill. Pour the dressing over the top and stir gently to coat everything. For the best flavor, refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Garnish with more diced pickles and fresh dill if desired.
Recipe Tips
- How to keep pasta salad from getting dry? Pasta salads can absorb dressing as they sit. If you’re making it a day ahead, you might want to reserve a third of the dressing and stir it in just before serving to freshen it up and make it creamy again.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead. The flavors actually get better as it sits. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day.
- What’s the best pasta for this salad? A pasta with plenty of ridges and curves, like corkscrew (cavatappi), rotini, or fusilli, is perfect for catching all of the creamy dressing and bits of pickle.
- Can I add other ingredients? Absolutely! Crispy, crumbled bacon is a fantastic addition for a salty, smoky crunch. A little bit of finely diced red onion would also add a nice bite.
What To Serve With Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
This tangy and creamy salad is a crowd-pleaser at any cookout or gathering.
- BBQ Pulled Pork or Chicken Sandwiches
- Grilled Hamburgers and Hot Dogs
- A simple grilled steak or chicken breast
- Fried Chicken
How To Store Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
- Refrigerate: Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days, though the pasta may soften slightly over time.
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Why rinse the pasta with cold water?
For a cold pasta salad, rinsing the pasta under cold water is crucial. It immediately stops the cooking process to prevent the pasta from getting mushy, and it cools it down so it doesn’t melt the cheese or warm the dressing.
Can I use a different kind of pickle?
Dill pickles are classic for this recipe’s signature flavor. However, you could use spicy dill pickles for a kick of heat or even sweet gherkins if you prefer a sweet and savory flavor combination.
What kind of cheese is best?
A firm, flavorful cheese that can be diced is best. Sharp or medium cheddar is a great choice, but Colby, Monterey Jack, or even cubed Havarti would also be delicious.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
Pioneer Woman Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe
Description
A super creamy and tangy pasta salad loaded with crunchy dill pickles and sharp cheddar cheese, perfect for any potluck or BBQ.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Whisk all dressing ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth.
- Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water until cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, pickles, cheese, and fresh dill.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and stir to coat everything.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- u003cliu003eRinsing the pasta under cold water is a key step to cool it down for the salad.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFor the best flavor, make the salad a few hours ahead of time to let it marinate.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis salad is a perfect way to use up leftover cheese or pickles.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eDon’t be shy with the fresh dill; it adds a wonderful, bright flavor that complements the pickles.u003c/liu003e
