A tangy, creamy pasta salad loaded with dill pickles, fresh dill, and a zesty dressing — this recipe hits all the right notes for a refreshing and bold side dish. I love making it for potlucks, BBQs, or as a make-ahead lunch option during the warmer months.

Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I put this recipe on repeat every summer because it’s packed with texture and flavor. The sharpness of cheddar, the crunch of pickles, and the creamy dressing come together to create something uniquely delicious. It’s a real crowd-pleaser and one of those dishes that gets even better the next day.

I also like that it’s easy to customize — whether I want to lighten it up with Greek yogurt or throw in extra herbs for freshness. Plus, it travels well, making it perfect for sharing at any gathering.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb (about 450 g) short pasta (e.g. rotini, shells, bowtie)
2 cups diced dill pickles
8 oz (about 225 g) sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
½ medium white (or yellow) onion, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
¾ cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
⅔ cup pickle juice (from pickle jar)
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

directions

I start by cooking the pasta in salted boiling water until it’s al dente. Then I drain it and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down.
In a large bowl, I combine the cooled pasta with diced pickles, cubed cheese, minced onion, and chopped dill.
In a separate bowl, I whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
I pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss everything until well coated.
I cover the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour — two if I have time — so the flavors really come together.
Before serving, I always give it a good stir and adjust the seasoning if needed — a little extra pickle juice or salt never hurts.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 servings.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Variations

I sometimes swap out part of the mayo and sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter twist.
If I want a spicier kick, I mix in some chopped pickled jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Chopped celery or red bell pepper adds extra crunch and color.
I occasionally garnish with fresh chives or even parsley when I want it to look extra fresh.
For a protein boost, diced cooked chicken is an excellent add-in.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the salad dries out a bit after chilling, I stir in a splash of pickle juice or a spoonful of mayo to bring it back to life. This salad is best served cold and doesn’t need reheating.

FAQs

What kind of pasta works best for this salad?

I prefer short pasta shapes like rotini, shells, or bowtie — they hold onto the dressing well and have a great bite.

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, and I recommend it! Making it ahead allows the flavors to meld, and it tastes even better after chilling for a few hours or overnight.

Can I use sweet pickles instead of dill?

I stick with dill pickles because their tanginess balances the creamy dressing. But if I’m into a sweeter flavor profile, sweet pickles can work too — it just changes the overall taste.

How do I lighten up the dressing?

I substitute part (or all) of the sour cream and mayo with plain Greek yogurt. It keeps the creaminess but adds a bit of tang and reduces the fat.

What should I serve this with?

I like serving it alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or burgers. It’s also great as a standalone lunch with a slice of crusty bread.

Conclusion

This creamy dill pickle pasta salad has quickly become one of my go-to recipes for summer. It’s bold, creamy, tangy, and totally satisfying — a dish I can always count on to disappear fast at any gathering. I love how simple it is to throw together, and the flavors just keep improving as it chills. If I’m looking for something easy, flavorful, and fun, this salad delivers every time.