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Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad with Cheddar

creamy dill pickle pasta salad with cheddar - featured image
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A tangy and creamy pasta salad featuring dill pickles, sharp cheddar cheese, and a zesty dressing, perfect for summer gatherings and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni or small shells
  • 1 cup chopped dill pickles with juice
  • 1 cup cubed sharp cheddar cheese
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons pickle juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chopped dill (or 2 teaspoons dried)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down. Drain well to avoid watery salad.
  3. While pasta cooks, chop about 1 cup of dill pickles into small pieces, reserving 2 tablespoons of the pickle juice. Cube 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese. Thinly slice 2 green onions and chop 2 tablespoons fresh dill.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons pickle juice, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. Add the cooled pasta, chopped pickles, cheddar cubes, green onions, and dill to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld and the salad chill perfectly. Stir in more pickle juice or mayo if the salad seems dry after chilling.

Notes

Use firm, crunchy dill pickles for best texture. Rinse pasta after cooking to prevent mushiness. Fold gently to keep cheddar cubes intact. Chill at least 1 hour before serving. Adjust seasoning after chilling. For dairy-free version, substitute sour cream and mayo with vegan alternatives and cheddar with dairy-free cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, dill pickle, cheddar cheese, creamy dressing, summer recipe, easy pasta salad, picnic dish, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/creamy-dill-pickle-pasta-salad-with-cheddar-best-easy-summer-recipe/