Description
This Dill Pickle Pasta Salad combines tender cavatappi pasta with a creamy, tangy dressing made from sour cream, mayonnaise, and pickle juice, enhanced by fresh dill and sharp cheddar cheese. It's a refreshing and flavorful side dish perfect for summer gatherings or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces Cavatappi pasta
Dressing and Mix-ins
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup pickle juice
- 2 teaspoons fresh dill, minced
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup dill pickles, diced
- ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded or cubed
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cavatappi pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cool water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool completely.
- Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, pickle juice, minced fresh dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated, forming a creamy dressing.
- Combine pasta and mix-ins: Gently fold the cooled pasta into the dressing. Add the diced dill pickles and shredded sharp cheddar cheese, folding carefully until everything is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Garnish and serve: If desired, garnish the salad with additional fresh dill and pickle slices for a decorative touch. Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
- Reserve ¼ to ½ cup of the dressing before mixing into the pasta salad if you plan to store it; add it back before serving to refresh the salad's creaminess.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- For a tangier flavor, increase the pickle juice up to ⅓ cup.
- Use rotini or elbow macaroni as alternative pasta shapes if preferred.
- Make sure the pasta is fully cooled before mixing to prevent the dressing from becoming too runny.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
