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Creamy Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe with Easy Dill Ranch Dressing

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A creamy, tangy pasta salad featuring crunchy dill pickles and a homemade dill ranch dressing, perfect for quick meals and outdoor gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or bowtie pasta, cooked al dente
  • 1 cup chopped dill pickles (about 150g)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon pickle juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill weed or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340g) of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Let it drain well.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon pickle juice, 1 teaspoon dried or fresh dill, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Finely chop 1 cup of dill pickles and 1/4 cup of red onion (if using). Chop 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley and, if using fresh dill, chop 1 tablespoon as well.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, chopped pickles, onions, and parsley. Pour the dill ranch dressing over the top and gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
  7. Before serving, give it a quick stir and taste. Add a pinch more salt or a squeeze of pickle juice if needed.

Notes

Rinsing the pasta in cold water is essential to prevent mushiness and keep the dressing from sliding off. Use rotini or bowtie pasta for best dressing adherence. Fresh dill is preferred but dried dill can be used in smaller amounts. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors. For gluten-free, substitute pasta with gluten-free pasta. For a lighter version, swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.

Nutrition

Keywords: pickle pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, dill ranch dressing, quick pasta salad, summer side dish, picnic salad

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/creamy-pickle-pasta-salad-recipe-with-easy-dill-ranch-dressing/