Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is a classic potluck dish! This pasta salad combines tender macaroni, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and stars crunchy dill pickles.

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Pasta salad is a classic side dish for family get-togethers, summer barbecues, or holiday potlucks.

This easy side dish is perfect to serve alongside crispy chicken, burgers, or hot dogs.

But one thing is for sure, this pasta salad will be a hit by all who enjoy, no matter if they love pickles or not!

Ingredients Needed

Noodles – I like elbow macaroni but use your favorite pasta shape.

Pickles – I prefer to use baby dill pickles, but feel free to use regular sized pickles, making sure you dice them into smaller pieces.

Cheddar cheese – Grate your own if you can. And substitute Colby Jack if you prefer.

Mayonnaise – I love using Duke’s Real Mayonnaise because of its delicious flavor and super creamy texture but feel free to use your favorite brand.

Sour cream – Original or light can be used or feel free to swap in plain Greek yogurt.

Dill – Fresh dill is always preferred because it has such a great flavor, but you can use dry dill if you can’t find fresh. Just be sure to use half the amount as it can be stronger.

Cayenne – For a touch of heat, feel free to add in a pinch of cayenne!

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bowl of pasta — mix noodles, cheese, and pickles

bowl of pasta salad — mix noodles, cheese, and pickles

How to Make Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

First: Cook pasta according to the package, but undercook by 30 seconds. Drain and run under cold water to cool quickly. Be sure to drain completely.

Second: Transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl and add in sliced or chopped dill pickles and cheese. Toss to combine.

Third: In a small bowl, combine mayo, sour cream, garlic powder, pickle juice, and dill to make the dressing. Pour over pasta, pickles, and cheese. Carefully stir to combine.

Fourth: Gently mix in crumbled bacon and season with salt and black pepper to taste if desired. Enjoy!

For the full recipe and detailed baking instructions, please see the recipe card at the end of this post.

How long does it last?

Store for up to 5 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Give a quick stir before serving again.

Serving Suggestions

Dill pickle pasta salad is the perfect with so many things. I love it with grilled chicken, grilled steak, or even grilled pork.

Or serve as a side any time of the year with coconut chicken tenders, pulled BBQ chicken sliders, or even pork tenderloin sliders!

Can I make it ahead of time?

Pasta salads can be served right away or refrigerated for 1-2 hours before serving. As a general rule of thumb, the longer a pasta salad sits in the fridge, the more the dressing will thicken up.

How do you keep pasta salad from getting soggy?

Slightly undercook the pasta as the slightly firmer texture will keep it from getting mushy when you put the dressing on it.

It is also important to rinse the noodles. It stops the cooking process and keeps the noodles firm.

Should you rinse pasta after cooking for a cold pasta salad?

Yes, if making a cold pasta salad, cooked pasta should be rinsed.

Rinsing also stops the cooking process, which will keep the pasta from overcooking.

And finally, rinsing keeps the noodles from sticking together.

Tips for No Leftovers

While elbow macaroni is traditionally used, small shells or rotini spiral would work beautifully as well.
Chill for 1-2 hours for best results.
Dill pickles offer a distinct sour flavor that is traditional in this recipe but feel free to use your favorite! Garlic or spicy would add a completely different and delicious flavor profile.
Real mayo, I prefer Duke’s brand, is better than Miracle Whip in this recipe.
Swap dried herbs for fresh if you need to. Just use half the amount.
This dill pickle pasta salad tastes best after it has set up for at least 24 hours. The flavors really mix well together after that time making this the perfect make ahead!
Don’t overcook the pasta.
Mix the salad dressing ingredients in a separate bowl before adding to the other ingredients to make sure it is fully mixed.
If salad becomes too dry, feel free to add in more pickle juice.

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

Pickles and cheese make this creamy pasta salad recipe unique. This classic potluck salad is not only delicious, but also affordable and ready in 20-minutes!