Tangy, crunchy, and creamy, this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is what every summer BBQ dreams of. Loaded with real dill pickles, crisp red onions, and a creamy dressing that packs a vinegary punch, this salad is an easy way to turn basic pasta into the star of the picnic table. It’s bright and bold without being overpowering, and that signature dill flavor just hits right.

Whether you’re serving it up with grilled burgers, smoky ribs, or enjoying it straight out of the bowl, this pasta salad brings a cool, refreshing contrast to all your warm-weather favorites. Plus, it keeps well in the fridge, so it’s a fantastic make-ahead side dish for gatherings or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

If you’re a pickle lover, this one was made for you. It’s not just tangy—it’s creamy, salty, savory, and absolutely addictive. The combination of briny pickles and smooth mayo-sour cream dressing creates a crave-worthy blend of flavors and textures that never gets old. It’s also incredibly easy to throw together with simple pantry and fridge staples.

What Kind of Pickles Should I Use?

Go for the real dill pickles, not the sweet kind. Refrigerated deli pickles tend to have more crunch and flavor than shelf-stable jars. Spears or whole pickles are best chopped up fresh, but pre-sliced pickle chips will work in a pinch. You can even use spicy dills if you like a little heat in your bite.

Ingredients for the Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

The beauty of this salad is in its simplicity. Every ingredient brings something to the table, and together they make magic.

Pasta
Short-cut pasta like rotini, shells, or macaroni holds the dressing well and gives you a perfect bite every time.

Dill Pickles
Chopped pickles are the star here. The crunch and the brine are what set this salad apart.

Pickle Juice
Used in the dressing, it deepens that dill flavor and adds brightness to the creaminess.

Red Onion
For a bit of bite and color. If you’re sensitive to raw onions, soak them in cold water first.

Cheddar Cheese
Cubed sharp cheddar adds richness and a satisfying chew to the salad.

Mayonnaise
Creates the creamy base of the dressing. It coats everything perfectly.

Sour Cream
Balances the mayo with a tangy note and lightens up the dressing.

Fresh Dill
Brings in that herby punch. If you’ve never used fresh dill before, this is a great place to start.

Garlic Powder & Onion Powder
Boosts the savory flavor without overpowering the pickles.

Salt & Pepper
Just enough to enhance everything without taking over.

How To Make the Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Boil your pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down quickly.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 3: Toss It All Together

Add the cooled pasta, chopped pickles, red onion, cubed cheddar, and fresh dill to the bowl with the dressing. Stir until everything is well coated.

Step 4: Chill Before Serving

Let the salad rest in the fridge for at least an hour so the flavors can marry. It gets even better the next day.

How to Serve and Store Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is best served chilled, making it the ideal side dish for warm weather meals. It feeds about 8 people as a side dish and holds up well at room temperature for picnics or parties. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If it dries out a bit, just stir in a splash of pickle juice or a spoonful of mayo to freshen it up.

What to Serve With Dill Pickle Pasta Salad?

Grilled Burgers

The creamy tang of this salad pairs perfectly with juicy charred patties.

BBQ Chicken

That smoky sweetness from barbecue sauce finds its balance with the vinegary bite of pickles.

Fried Chicken

Crispy, salty chicken meets creamy and cool pasta—enough said.

Smoked Sausages

Try pairing it with something like kielbasa or bratwurst. The richness of the meat loves the zip from the salad.

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Especially with a vinegary slaw or sauce, the salad adds a refreshing crunch.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

A simple pairing that still makes the whole plate sing.

Deviled Eggs

They share that creamy, tangy quality and are always a hit at potlucks.

Tomato Cucumber Salad

For a fresh and juicy counterpoint, this adds color and hydration to the table.

Want More Pasta Salad Ideas?

If you love this chilled dill pickle pasta salad, you’ll probably enjoy these other fresh favorites:

• Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries with sweet, tangy, and salty notes all in one bowl.
• Zesty Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta Salad for a bright twist that’s perfect for lunch.
• Creamy Broccoli Pasta if you want something with more veggie comfort.
• Homemade Mexican Pizza as a bolder, spicy side to pair with.
• Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad for a creamy and nostalgic twist.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest salad board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you double the pickles? Add a spicy twist? Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and refreshing seasonal recipes on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next summer favorite!