Description
Homemade dill pickle macaroni salad delivers classic summer cookout flavors with tangy pickles and creamy dressing. Crisp ingredients and zesty seasonings make this side dish perfect for gathering with friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (454 g) cellentani or corkscrew pasta
- 1 1/2 cups (180 g) cubed sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups (300 g) finely diced baby dill pickles
- 1 cup (240 ml) mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) dill pickle brine
- 2 tbsps freshly chopped dill
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- kosher salt (to taste)
- freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Completely drain and transfer to a spacious mixing bowl.
- Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, dill pickle juice, onion powder, and fresh dill in a separate bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
- Pour prepared dressing over cooled pasta. Gently fold in diced dill pickles and sharp cheddar cheese cubes, ensuring even coating and uniform distribution throughout the salad.
- Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Sprinkle additional chopped fresh dill on top for enhanced flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- Ensure pasta is cooked al dente to maintain a firm bite and prevent mushiness when mixed with creamy dressing.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and intensify, creating a more delicious taste experience.
- Don’t discard the pickle juice – it adds a tangy punch and helps thin out the dressing, giving the salad a zesty kick.
- Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt to create a lighter version, or use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 425 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg