Description
Salty, tangy dill pickle pasta salad delivers a zesty twist on classic picnic fare. Cool summer gatherings sparkle with this creamy, crunchy side dish that keeps guests coming back for more.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) rotini pasta
Dressing Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup dill pickle juice
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Mix-ins:
- 1/2 cup dill pickles (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, then submerge pasta and cook until al dente following package guidance. Rapidly cool the cooked pasta by rinsing under cold water, then thoroughly drain.
- Craft a zesty dressing by whisking together tangy pickle brine, creamy mayonnaise, sharp Dijon mustard, punchy apple cider vinegar, aromatic garlic and onion powders, plus a balanced blend of salt and pepper until silky smooth.
- Transfer the chilled pasta into a spacious mixing vessel, then introduce crisp diced dill pickles, finely sliced red onion, and vibrant chopped fresh parsley. Cascade the prepared dressing over the ingredients, gently folding to ensure comprehensive coating.
- Seal the pasta salad with a protective cover and nestle into the refrigerator. Allow the medley to rest and marinate for a minimum of half an hour, permitting flavors to harmonize and intensify.
- When ready to serve, optionally embellish with additional verdant parsley sprigs or strategically placed pickle medallions. Present the chilled salad as a refreshing accompaniment or standalone dish.
Notes
- Choose short pasta shapes like rotini or shells to help dressing cling better and create more delicious bites.
- Drain pasta completely and shake off excess water to prevent watery, diluted dressing that can make salad soggy.
- Dice pickles and onions into uniform, small pieces for consistent flavor and texture in every forkful.
- Adjust dressing tanginess by using more or less pickle juice depending on personal preference and desired zestiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg