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Dill Pickle Pasta Salad


  • Author: Lusine Svetlana

Description

Indulge in the zesty flavors of our Dill Pickle Pasta Salad, a perfect blend of tangy pickles, creamy dressing, and savory cheddar cheese. Whether you’re planning a picnic, barbecue, or seeking a refreshing side dish, this recipe promises to satisfy your taste buds and impress your guests.


Ingredients

  • ½ pound dry shell pasta (about 3 cups)
  • ¾ cup pickles, sliced
  • ⅔ cup cheddar cheese, diced
  • 3 tablespoons white onion, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill
  • ½ cup pickle juice
  • ⅔ cup mayonnaise
  • ⅓ cup sour cream
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Boil the shell pasta al dente according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. Marinate Pasta: Toss the cold pasta with about ½ cup of pickle juice and let it sit for approximately 5 minutes. Drain and discard the pickle juice.
  3. Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, cayenne pepper, 4 tablespoons of pickle juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the marinated pasta, sliced pickles, diced cheddar cheese, finely diced white onion, and fresh dill. Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta salad mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the Dill Pickle Pasta Salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Notes

Serving Tips:

  1. Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. This enhances the taste and texture of the salad.
  2. Garnish Creatively: Before serving, garnish with additional fresh dill sprigs or a sprinkle of paprika for a vibrant presentation.
  3. Serve Cold: This salad is best enjoyed cold, making it perfect for picnics, potlucks, and barbecues. Serve it alongside grilled meats or as a refreshing side dish.
  4. Pairing Suggestions: Accompany with grilled chicken, burgers, or sandwiches for a complete meal. It also pairs well with crusty bread or garlic breadsticks.

Storage Tips:

  1. Refrigerate Promptly: Store any leftover Dill Pickle Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should be consumed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
  2. Avoid Freezing: Due to its creamy dressing and texture, this salad is not suitable for freezing as it may affect the consistency and taste upon thawing.
  3. Stir Before Serving: Before serving leftovers, gently stir the salad to redistribute the dressing and ingredients for even flavor distribution.
  4. Portion Control: If preparing for a smaller group, consider halving the recipe to avoid excessive leftovers.
  5. Revitalize Flavors: If the salad seems dry after refrigeration, add a small amount of mayonnaise or sour cream and gently toss to refresh the creamy texture.